Triton Labs vs ICP-Analysis
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Ghxst
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To preserve the sample. Might be more for certain compounds that can change in a few days time. I had to do it for wetland samples but maybe cause of the nasty water? Maybe Dr. @Randy Holmes-Farley could explain:
Why do you acidify water samples and why is it not needed for these test?
Why do you acidify water samples and why is it not needed for these test?
They don't do any testing in California, they just gather samples and then send them to Germany to test.Just got this today. The forwarded the sample to Germany, I assume they Cali lab is down or backed up.
PedroYoung
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I sent in Triton test earlier this month. From the day i put it in the mail to getting results was 1 week (shipping from Alabama to Cali to Germany). It was my first and I did like the easy color coding of the results and possible corrective actions (which fortunately I didn't have except low Iodine which I ignored), but not sure if it's worth twice as much..............
andrew james
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I do a lot of Triton tests and I value the service they provide. I just wish the corrective advice was a little less of a sales pitch and a little more an in depth explanation.
Randy Holmes-Farley
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No idea. Makes it look like more data? lol
Randy Holmes-Farley
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That was a point of contention between some folks and Triton. Acidification is intended to prevent precipitation and reduce binding to containers.
Here's a cut and paste from my answer is a previous discussion on this topic:
FWIW, my biggest concern with trace elements continues to be the issues relating to bacteria and how they are counted or not counted. Regardless of the answer, I'm not sure how one should interpret the results for those biological elements (such as iron) which may be mostly in organisms, especially since the amount in the bacteria may change during the collection of the sample and the testing.
My understanding from what Ehsan said is that they were not part of the sample tested.
Acidification might kill bacteria and release trace elements. Not acidifying might allow continued growth and sequestration of trace elements. Either way, if the bacteria are not tested, it is a confounding issue. If they are part of the tested sample, the results may not be reflective of the "in water" concentrations.
I agree that evaluating standards is appropriate, as long as they fit the requirements of the expected analytical process. I just don't know what those are at the moment.
which is from a big discussion here:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reefs-dot-com-article-on-triton-testing.193060/#post-2217992r
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bif24701
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The entire premise of Triton Method is to sell the tests and elements.
After seeing the ICP-Analysis results I don't see much if any benefit to would gain from discontinuing my water change program.
I have a nice water collecting and mixing station where I can have up to +100 gallons of RODI or mixed salt water. When I do a water change I swap the entire 100 gallons from my 275-300 gallon system. I do this at least twice a month, sometimes more. Currently Kalk and water changes are apparently very effective in maintaining good water parameters in my system. From a box of IO I get almost 2 full water changes, and the cost is only ~$46.00 each box. A Triton test alone costs more than my months worth of salt. I do use carbon and GFO but not nearly as much as if I didn't do WCs'.
Triton single element additive are very pricey so I see no reason to consider going Triton at the moment. Triton includes additional additives to better support macro algae growth in the Full method but mine grows very very well.
Still very interested to see the results of my test. It's been a week so I expect to see the results anyway now.
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CoralWealth
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I am sure you will get the results today, I am very interested to see how they differ from the other test.
I am mostly just interested to do the test to make sure I have no heavy metals and to see how potassium, calcium and iodine is really.
I am mostly just interested to do the test to make sure I have no heavy metals and to see how potassium, calcium and iodine is really.
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bif24701
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The Triton seems to have detected much higher Al. I wonder what that is all about..... I wonder if there is a possible error maybe explaining all the complaints about elevated Al and MarinePure. Unlikely I guess but that's my thought.
Randy Holmes-Farley
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You talking about your result?
I see Triton at 33 ppb (0.033 ppm) and ICP,com at 90 ppb (0.09 ppm)???
IMO, ICP,com may have a higher LOD (limit of detection) based on their seemingly high Al readings for their "real" seawater samples and can't read at low as the Triton data, and their number seems close to their bottom limit and so may just be noise.
jason2459
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I would trust the Triton numbers. That lines up with multiple vendors I tested against.
You do use a few ceramic media and that would not be a surprise to have elevated Al.
Not saying it's harming anything in your system as I don't know but it's there.
You do use a few ceramic media and that would not be a surprise to have elevated Al.
Not saying it's harming anything in your system as I don't know but it's there.
CoralWealth
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they are definitely pretty close so at the price difference, I would probably use ICP. Especially since I really just want to make sure no equipement is leaching heavy metals and see how my iodine and potassium are, which are very similar on both of those tests
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bif24701
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I agree for trouble shooting or just checking the health of your water it's perfect.
Going over my Triton results and recommendations seem very very complicated and a bit confusing. No way you would ever save a penny going solely with Triton and ditching WC all together. The recommended adjustments and changes and dosages are many and seems to me that it's far more likely to make an error or mistake just trying to complete the steps recommended.
I won't be going Triton any time soon and never really considered it but I am happy with seeing the test results and being told what could be improved.
