Using Triton Detox as a precaution

[Bars]

A while back I had a few elevated heavy metals in my water. Bought a bottle of Detox, which removed all the bad stuff. Since the dosage is so low for my tank, the bottle is just sitting there almost completely full still. So I was thinking about dosing it as a precaution, like once a month or once every 2 months. I do not have test kits to measure heavy metals and I don't want to spend money on icp tests + shipping every few months, since they aren't that cheap.

Would it hurt using it as a precaution? It didn't seem to have any negative effects on my tank when I used it. Anyone already using it like this? Would like to hear your thoughts

Of course the best thing to do is prevent anything in your tank causing elevated levels, but you never know when something might sneak in.

 

[GoVols]

@Julian@Triton

help...

 

[ReefPig]

As a rule, heavy metals only appear if something bad is going on. Rusting screws etc.
You would be FAR better off doing a clean sweep of all your equipment and stuff to make sure everything is good.

Also consider running GAC, this has been the "go to" solution for many issues for many many years and is very effective, when used right.

I've used Detox twice before, both with good results, but I would not use it as a precaution. It's like a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Carbon is safe to run all the time if you wish, Detox is not meant to be run all the time.

 

[Julian@Triton Verified Sponsor]

A while back I had a few elevated heavy metals in my water. Bought a bottle of Detox, which removed all the bad stuff. Since the dosage is so low for my tank, the bottle is just sitting there almost completely full still. So I was thinking about dosing it as a precaution, like once a month or once every 2 months. I do not have test kits to measure heavy metals and I don't want to spend money on icp tests + shipping every few months, since they aren't that cheap.

Would it hurt using it as a precaution? It didn't seem to have any negative effects on my tank when I used it. Anyone already using it like this? Would like to hear your thoughts

Of course the best thing to do is prevent anything in your tank causing elevated levels, but you never know when something might sneak in.

Detox was not designed to be used as prophylactic treatment so I would not advise doing so. If you are seeing issues with your aquarium then it could be worth dosing while waiting for ICP test results.

Keep in mind it is mainly recommended for removal of specific heavy metals like Copper and Lead. It will not effectively remove all contaminants (eg Tin and Zinc) so an ICP every 3 - 6 months is your best insurance policy.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

A while back I had a few elevated heavy metals in my water. Bought a bottle of Detox, which removed all the bad stuff. Since the dosage is so low for my tank, the bottle is just sitting there almost completely full still. So I was thinking about dosing it as a precaution, like once a month or once every 2 months. I do not have test kits to measure heavy metals and I don't want to spend money on icp tests + shipping every few months, since they aren't that cheap.

Would it hurt using it as a precaution? It didn't seem to have any negative effects on my tank when I used it. Anyone already using it like this? Would like to hear your thoughts

Of course the best thing to do is prevent anything in your tank causing elevated levels, but you never know when something might sneak in.

To expand on the above comment, bear in mind that many elements are removed by detox and other metal binding agents, and many of them are needed.

I do not think it would be a good practice to constantly use it unless you know you have a toxic level of heavy metals, or are constantly measuring and replenishing the metals that are removed but are needed.