ICP test and high Sulfer?

[Greg Depo]

So I today I got my icp results back. I noticed a few parameters are off. The one of greatest concern would be sulfur was elevated. The comments on the test said check your salt mix. I switched to tropic marin about a month ago. Anyone else notice this using TM and then obviously is this something that can hinder coral growth or something I should be concerned about?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Well, obviously the level would be worth knowing. lol

In general, sulfate is the third highest weight concentration in in seawater, at about 2700 ppm sulfate, and variations in it are not likely a big deal. Salt mixes do vary and unless you have been dosing a lot of Epsom salt for magnesium, then the salt mix is the source.

 

[Greg Depo]

Well, obviously the level would be worth knowing. lol

In general, sulfate is the third highest weight concentration in in seawater, at about 2700 ppm sulfate, and variations in it are not likely a big deal. Salt mixes do vary and unless you have been dosing a lot of Epsom salt for magnesium, then the salt mix is the source.

Ha Probably a good idea huh!

Sulfur S
Value: 996.9
Result:

Calculated reference value: 815.0

Also my mag doesn't appear elevated
Magnesium Mg
Value: 1324
Result:

Calculated reference value: 1165

Only other value of note that was elevated was iodine which was substantially higher.

Iodine I
Value:329.7
Result:

Calculated reference value: 57.58

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Their reference value is way too low, unless it is being calculated based on your salinity being low.


35 ppt seawater contains 2700 ppm sulfate, which includes 900 ppm sulfur.

What is your salinity?

In any case, i would not worry much about sulfate if you are not dosing it.

 

[Greg Depo]

Their reference value is way too low, unless it is being calculated based on your salinity being low.


35 ppt seawater contains 2700 ppm sulfate, which includes 900 ppm sulfur.

What is your salinity?

In any case, i would not worry much about sulfate if you are not dosing it.

The salinity was lower than I anticipated... Maybe I don't fully understand salinity compared to gravity but my refractometer and old school swing arm device shows .026. Not sure if it means anything towards sulfur but I am dosing Sodium Bicarbonate from BRS.

Salinity (NaCl) NaCl
Value:31.00
Result:

Calculated reference value: 35.00

I'd like to bring that up to the 35ppt so I ordered some calibration fluid to make sure my refractometer is correct.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Ok, that low salinity is why they say sulfate should be low.

The sodium bicarbonate is not altering sulfate.

Calibration fluid sounds like a good plan.

 

[ReefRondo]

I just found the same issue with the same salt.
ICP results below.

Triton Lab Showroom - Explore this water test results and click on the image above.

Someone wants to show you the water test results and shared this link to the evaluation. Click on the image above to explore the water test results.

www.triton-lab.de

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I just found the same issue with the same salt.
ICP results below.

Triton Lab Showroom - Explore this water test results and click on the image above.

Someone wants to show you the water test results and shared this link to the evaluation. Click on the image above to explore the water test results.

www.triton-lab.de

Are you dosing any sulfate, like Epsom Salt for magnesium? Or using Balling Part C?

 

[ReefRondo]

Are you dosing any sulfate, like Epsom Salt for magnesium? Or using Balling Part C?

Nope. Bear in mind this is an ICP test of purely RO water and the TMPR salt mixed to 1.025 and not water from my tank.

Tropic marin pro reef salt...German made buckets though...

Hi guys, First of all, I am based in Scotland UK so this is not an addition to the USA-Turkey situation. I have been really struggling with 2 of my tanks for the last few weeks to a month and after a few ICP tests and other checks for pests, dipping etc I have been losing SPS slowly but no...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Nope. Bear in mind this is an ICP test of purely RO water and the TMPR salt mixed to 1.025 and not water from my tank.

Tropic marin pro reef salt...German made buckets though...

Hi guys, First of all, I am based in Scotland UK so this is not an addition to the USA-Turkey situation. I have been really struggling with 2 of my tanks for the last few weeks to a month and after a few ICP tests and other checks for pests, dipping etc I have been losing SPS slowly but no...

www.reef2reef.com

Ah, ok, thanks. It is heavy on sulfate if the sg is correct, but I do not know what, if any, effect that will have on a tank.

 

[ReefRondo]

Ah, ok, thanks. It is heavy on sulfate if the sg is correct, but I do not know what, if any, effect that will have on a tank.

I have no idea either to be honest.