Triton test is back. Need advice

[ksfulk]

Which parameters of the Triton test do you think would enable a person to calculate carbonate alkalinity, even if only approximately?

From what I have read elsewhere on this forum, total hardness can be calculated from the measurements that are given from these tests, however, they are not entirely accurate (needing Magnesium, strontium and other measureable elements for the calculation). Carbonate alkalinity would not be something that could be calculated, as Triton doesnt test for carbonate. Perhaps I misunderstood what I had read - if so, I apologize for the misinformation, as that was not my intention.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

From what I have read elsewhere on this forum, total hardness can be calculated from the measurements that are given from these tests, however, they are not entirely accurate (needing Magnesium, strontium and other measureable elements for the calculation). Carbonate alkalinity would not be something that could be calculated, as Triton doesnt test for carbonate. Perhaps I misunderstood what I had read - if so, I apologize for the misinformation, as that was not my intention.

No problem. Some people may have gotten confused about the difference between the names carbonate hardness and total hardness (which are both incredibly poorly named)

Total hardness can (calcium plus magnesium plus strontium, in appropriately modified units) can be determined from Triton tests, but not anything about alkalinity or carbonate hardness. Mindstream can get carbonate hardness (carbonate alkalinity) from CO2 and pH.

 

[jason2459]

Thank for this. I do use filter socks and have some poly filter in there now. I might just need to replace them more often until this is resolved.

Are you using Poly Fill or the PolyFilter made by Bio-marine? There is a difference. Polyfill is used as a mechanical filter to trap detritus.

PolyFilter is supposed to help trap some elements and change color based on what it is absorbing. You'd be looking for a bright Red.
http://poly-bio-marine.com/products.htm
Poly-Filter turns color when removing medications. Aqua to Dark Blue: Copper or Copper Salts. Orange: Iron. Bright Red: Aluminum. Bright Yellow: Ammonia, Amines or Solvents. Dyes: Color of the solution when added i.e. Methylene Blue: Pale Blue. Malachite Green: Light Green. Tannins/Humic acid: Dark Brown. Organic Wastes: Light Tan progressing to Dark Brown.

 

[jason2459]

....
Mindstream can get carbonate hardness (carbonate alkalinity) from CO2 and pH.

Shouldn't salinity and temp be included in that calculation?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Shouldn't salinity and temp be included in that calculation?

Yes, they are. Forgot to mention them.

 

[jason2459]

Yes, they are. Forgot to mention them.

I hope they didn't forget too.

 

[rboutin111]

Here's a discussion of the calculation:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/c...ton-icp-oes-test-results.184436/#post-2239277

I'm sure Jim will be happy to guide you through it.

Hi Randy, Great article. I've discovered that it might be the brine shrimp that I feed daily causing my high aluminum levels. You mention that the aluminum was removed on a 0.45 μm filter. What is this filter?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Hi Randy, Great article. I've discovered that it might be the brine shrimp that I feed daily causing my high aluminum levels. You mention that the aluminum was removed on a 0.45 μm filter. What is this filter?

Thanks.

Do you mean to filter tank water? I don't think you can use that on tank water as it will clog very fast and they are designed for low water volumes. It is intended to remove particulates, but it will leave behind dissolved aluminum.

What is used is a syringe tip filter, like these:

http://www.thermoscientific.com/en/product/nalgene-25mm-syringe-filters.html