Thoughts/Guidance on ATI Water Analysis

[AKL1950]

Results of my water analysis.

Total water tank/sump approx. 180 gallons
Current dosing is Alk 30ml/day, Ca 15ml/day, aminos 3 ml/day
AWC 2 gallons/day with IO Reef Crystals

Looking for comments and recommendations from test results.

 

[Timfish]

Here's a reference for you to compare if you like (looks to me you PO4 is just marginally adequite to prevent PO4 deficincies in corals). I use ICP but keep in mind it's only a one time snapshot and ICP tests are not without some critisisms, see Rich Ross' testing a sea water standard with ICP, he also includes a good description of what to look for in tests of just about any kind.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Results of my water analysis.

Total water tank/sump approx. 180 gallons
Current dosing is Alk 30ml/day, Ca 15ml/day, aminos 3 ml/day
AWC 2 gallons/day with IO Reef Crystals

Looking for comments and recommendations from test results.

I don't see any big issue.

You might or might not benefit from a trace element dosing mix, such as Tropic Marin A and K.

 

[AKL1950]

I don't see any big issue.

You might or might not benefit from a trace element dosing mix, such as Tropic Marin A and K.

Thanks. I’ve heard that iodine a little low is better than a little high. Is that true? I have some Lugol’s iodine on hand. Should I dose a little to raise the iodine a bit.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks. I’ve heard that iodine a little low is better than a little high. Is that true? I have some Lugol’s iodine on hand. Should I dose a little to raise the iodine a bit.

A few comments:

1. While many people beleive iodine is useful in their aquaria, many others, myself included, noticed no difference when dosign it. There's no scientifically known need for it in most corals, but it may have a benefit and I'd treat it as an experiment.

2. I'm not a fan of Lugols as it is an unnatural form thst is reactive and can change with nature of other trace elements in the system by reacting with them. I do not know if that is an issue, but it is a better plan, IMO, to dose iodide.

3. I've not heard the bit high vs bit low risk comment, but my tank was lower than yours.

 

[AKL1950]

A few comments:

1. While many people beleive iodine is useful in their aquaria, many others, myself included, noticed no difference when dosign it. There's no scientifically known need for it in most corals, but it may have a benefit and I'd treat it as an experiment.

2. I'm not a fan of Lugols as it is an unnatural form thst is reactive and can change with nature of other trace elements in the system by reacting with them. I do not know if that is an issue, but it is a better plan, IMO, to dose iodide.

3. I've not heard the bit high vs bit low risk comment, but my tank was lower than yours.

Thanks Randy. You get so many opinions on dose this dose that and it’s hard to sift through all the inputs to figure out a valid course of action. My corals are growing well and my shrimp don’t seem to have a problem shedding, so I like your thought of probably don’t need to. What’s that expression? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

if I did go the iodide route, what is a good product to use?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks Randy. You get so many opinions on dose this dose that and it’s hard to sift through all the inputs to figure out a valid course of action. My corals are growing well and my shrimp don’t seem to have a problem shedding, so I like your thought of probably don’t need to. What’s that expression? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

if I did go the iodide route, what is a good product to use?

IMO, there's no actual evidence linking lack of iodine in the water and shrimp problems.

I believe that to be a hobby myth that is not supported by the shrimp aquaculture industry which does not have any suggestions that dosing iodine is needed or useful in that context that I have ever seen.

 

[AKL1950]

IMO, there's no actual evidence linking lack of iodine in the water and shrimp problems.

I believe that to be a hobby myth that is not supported by the shrimp aquaculture industry which does not have any suggestions that dosing iodine is needed or useful in that context that I have ever seen.

Ah ha! Maybe more a sales pitch to get you to buy something.

I’m learning.