ICP test results discussion/

[sghera64]

As far as I understand it, the ICP test show the amount of each element contained in the water total. So chlorine isn't just elemental chlorine, but includes all the chlorine ions from dissolved chlorides, which plain salt sodium chloride is the main source in saltwater.
The elements in red (or reddish) are the elements that they consider as out of spec for a reef tank.

Correct: Chloride ion is being reported as Chlorine (it’s elemental name). Bromide is being reported as bromine.

 

[sghera64]

yes ..when you click on the element it shows acceptable ranges and so on...I was just wondering if anyone saw anything that really stood out as a problem..it basically says the arsenic is a little high ..the bromine is low..iodine is a little low..sodium and chlorine are low ( i assume these last two where off as my salinity had drifted down at the time i sent the sample..its just my first icp test so I liked the idea of experienced reefers taking a look at it...the site shows acceptable levels and such..chlorine is a strange one..its says mine is low..to do a water change to balance it out..im assuming his maybe has somthing to do with the sodium being a bit low and same recommendation..I have done a 25 gal water change...my salinity will be checked today but it should be 1.024 1.025 ish..which is ok for me..

Ah, better. Sharing what are high/low and by how much tells experienced reefers “information” - - which is 10x more valuable than just data (screen shot). Now we can move from the informational state to a knowledge state (which we may share). Knowledge is what you were originally seeking (knowledge of what action to take - if any).

Low salinity likely explains low readings for sodium, the halogens (Cl-, Br-, etc.).

At this point, arsenic is the only stand-out drawing attention. What is the range they provided? I would not worry if it is only a little +/- 10% out of range.

What will be more valuable is your having a baseline of ICP results (say 3-10 of these over time). You will learn what is normal and how your tank appears when you are in your “normal” state. These become your standard to spot trouble when there is a departure in one of the elemental results.