Sulphur

justy · Dec 20, 2016

Just had my triton results back amongst lots of elements being on the low side.
I have low sulphur levels set point is 900 my analysis is 669.
Does any body know what this may indicate.
I have had a long term problem with very slow growth in most of my acropora species. Not sure if this is connected in any way?
Many thanks Justin

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 20, 2016

I don't know if it is an issue, but sulfur in seawater is primarily sulfate, the third must abundant ion in seawater by weight.

If you supplement calcium with calcium chloride and do not use an appropriate amount of magnesium sulfate, that will lower sulfate.

justy · Dec 20, 2016

Just noticed the other post about sulphur. I use about 5 litres of siporax and matrix combined. And it does get a lot of detritus on it, and i think i smelt hydrogen sulfide once when i rinsed it with water change water.
Could this be the culprit for low sulphur?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 20, 2016

No. Triton is misguided to even suggest such an idea.

Seawater contains huge amounts of sulfate (~2700 ppm). If even 1% of it was converted into highly toxic hydrogen sulfide, the tank would be dead and filled with black precipitate. It is toxic to many organisms at levels of tens of ppb).

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-12/rhf/index.php

justy · Dec 20, 2016

Many thanks for putting my mind at ease.
I do use calcium chloride and a small amount of magnesium chloride so this is probably the cause.
Going to do a few water changes to bring levels back up.
Thanks again.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 20, 2016

If you switch to using my DIY two part and add the magnesium sulfate as directed based on alk and calcium additions (not by magnesium measurement), then the sulfate should stay unchanged.

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php