ICP results - what needs to be fixed?

[Sharkbait19]

Hello all,
I just recently got the results of my ICP test back and was wondering what is or isn’t a major issue.
The major things I noticed were undetectable nitrates, high phosphate, high aluminum (likely due to the use of phosguard), and high silicone (from the RO water).
First the tank:

And then the RO results:

More information regarding my in tank problems can be found here:

Calling all coral experts…

Hello, Apologies in advance for the lengthy post, but I will try to give as much information as possible. For as long as I can remember, my tank has been plagued with coral troubles, and as of recent, things have only gotten worse. I think it began towards the end of my Fluval 13.5 setup, when...

www.reef2reef.com

I use instant ocean reef crystals as salt. Any particular way I should fix some of these (any chemicals or just a change in maintenance)?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

My comments are that the alkalinity is low (I recommend 7-11 dKH), nitrate is too low (I recommend 2-10 ppm nitrate), most other things are OK.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'd use something other than Phosguard with that level of aluminum,. GFO is a good choice.

 

[Sharkbait19]

My comments are that the alkalinity is low (I recommend 7-11 dKH), nitrate is too low (I recommend 2-10 ppm nitrate), most other things are OK.

I had been dosing neonitro for nitrates - is this the best option, or should I just let the tank get dirtier (I’ve already reduced how often I do water changes)?
Any suggestions for alk?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Since both N and P are low, feeding more may solve the issue, but if not, dosing food grade sodium phosphate and sodium or calcium nitrate is a good plan.

 

[Sharkbait19]

@Randy Holmes-Farley
What would you recommend for an all buffer?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

@Randy Holmes-Farley
What would you recommend for an all buffer?

If you want no pH boost, lick sodium bicarbonate. If you want a pH boost, use sodium carbonate. If you want the highest possible pH boost, use sodium hydroxide.

 

[areefer01]

Is that ATI's ICP result set? If so what was their recommendation?

 

[Sharkbait19]

Is that ATI's ICP result set? If so what was their recommendation?

Yes it was an ATI.
These were the suggestions:

Other than the phosphate, none of the other params seemed to be dangerously off (especially when compared to nitrate and alk).

 

[areefer01]

Yes it was an ATI.
These were the suggestions:

Other than the phosphate, none of the other params seemed to be dangerously off (especially when compared to nitrate and alk).

I see. And they didn't give you any recommendations on ALK? Odd. Have you tested Alk on your own by any chance? If so, what was it?

 

[Sharkbait19]

I see. And they didn't give you any recommendations on ALK? Odd. Have you tested Alk on your own by any chance? If so, what was it?

Nothing for alk.
I remember before the icp I had been testing higher at 9.8, but then it dropped to the 5.8 on the icp. Recently I tested and got in the low 6.
Only recent change was adding new dry rock.

 

[areefer01]

Nothing for alk.
I remember before the icp I had been testing higher at 9.8, but then it dropped to the 5.8 on the icp. Recently I tested and got in the low 6.
Only recent change was adding new dry rock.

Ok, thanks. I wasn't sure if you had tested or just relied on ATI's results. Thanks for the clarity.