ICP results help

Duberz · Apr 27, 2020

I have a reefer 250 that has been running roughly 2 months. I cycled using bacteria and ammonia chloride. Marco rock and special grade reef sand(not live). I’m on a well so my water goes through a softener,carbon tank then a marine depot ro/do unit. I don’t know really how to read any results other than calcium and magnesium. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. My tank has a bacterial bloom whenever I turn off my cheap uv sterilizer. Other than that it’s doing pretty good.

Duberz · Apr 27, 2020

Sorry I’m not sure how to add the results file

Duberz · Apr 27, 2020

Randy Holmes-Farley · Apr 27, 2020

The salinity seems high. How are you measuring it?

What salt mix? Sulfate (sulfur) seems so high I suspect it might be test error. I'd at least as them to double check the actual data file to be sure that the sulfur is really that high and there wasn't some sort of transcription error.

Duberz · Apr 27, 2020

I use a Hanna checker for salt that I use their fluid to calibrate. I use brightwell salt.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Apr 27, 2020

Duberz said:
I use a Hanna checker for salt that I use their fluid to calibrate. I use brightwell salt.

What salinity did you get last time you checked?

Duberz · Apr 27, 2020

1.025
That was the same day as the sample was taken

Duberz · Apr 28, 2020

we analyzed your second sample and can confirm the sulfur content. The salinity of your sample is 52,3 mS/cm or 34,4 psu or 1,0259 rel. density.
This is what they sent me. What if anything should I do about the sulfur?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Apr 28, 2020

Duberz said:
we analyzed your second sample and can confirm the sulfur content. The salinity of your sample is 52,3 mS/cm or 34,4 psu or 1,0259 rel. density.
This is what they sent me. What if anything should I do about the sulfur?

I do not know if it is a "problem", but the only way to fix it is through regular water changes with a different salt mix, if the salt mix caused it.

I presume you have not added large amounts of Epsom Salt for magnesium, and are not using a sulfur denitrator?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Apr 28, 2020

Based on this other thread, I am concerned that Fauna has some problem measuring sulfur.

Comparison: Fauna Marine ICP Analysis vs. ATI-OES ICP Analysis

I have done the ATI test twice, a common issue with the RODI test is false levels of PO4 and NO3. Lots and lots of folks on here have had the same issue. I am not talking high values, just values. Because I expected zero. Did you take your sample from a storage container? My RODI results were...

www.reef2reef.com

Duberz · Apr 28, 2020

No Randy I don’t use any epsom salt and no denitrator. I do use bags of Morton salt for my home water softener before it goes through my rodi. My well water Also has high sulfur levels. I would think my rodi would clean it up though.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Apr 28, 2020

Duberz said:
No Randy I don’t use any epsom salt and no denitrator. I do use bags of Morton salt for my home water softener before it goes through my rodi. My well water Also has high sulfur levels. I would think my rodi would clean it up though.

It should.