just started following along, great videos and awesome tank....
How long do the ICP test usually take to get back?
Also... Go Cats.
How long do the ICP test usually take to get back?
Also... Go Cats.
Devoted Reefer 250
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OP
OP
Thank you very much! I sent it out on 4/20 and haven't heard anything back yet. From what I read this is normal, patiently waiting and checking! GO BIG BLUE!!!!
OP
OP
I sent out the ATI ICP test on April 20th, the test was run today on May 3rd - Looks like calcium is high and I may have over done it on the nitrates.
HolisticBear
Valuable Member
I sent out the ATI ICP test on April 20th, the test was run today on May 3rd - Looks like calcium is high and I may have over done it on the nitrates.
Their baseline for Ca is lower than most reefers prefer. I didn't look at your salinity, but I don't think Triton flags 440 as too high. Not sure your target.
EDIT: Your Ca is high if that's your true salinity
OP
OP
I've had a hard time keeping my salinity in check the last month or so. I am not calibrating my refractometer each time now and always have to make an adjustment to the checker before I test my tank. Which was my fault, I thought for so long that it was calibrated and just went with the number it gave me when I tested my water.
HolisticBear
Valuable Member
I started with the Red Sea refractometer, which is a piece of crap that has the upside of teaching the user how easily these things can go out of calibration.
I now use the BRS and calibrate via two different bottles before each use. I'll probably upgrade to the VeeGee some day in the future.
OP
OP
I bought the Aqua Craft and brightwell calibration fluids - Ironically enough they don't read the same. So I calibrate with the aqua craft now and use it. I am using the ATC $34.99 refractometer from BRS. I've not heard of this VeeGee?
Nothing looks alarming with the salt water results; sure calcium is a bit high, but that wouldn’t cause a concern for sps or coral health, imho. The nitrates are up there, but not awful. Your rodi water does have a bit of silicone... not sure why?
Also, do you think your salinity issues are real or testing error? If they are real, then perhaps there is an issue with your ATO setup...
Also, do you think your salinity issues are real or testing error? If they are real, then perhaps there is an issue with your ATO setup...
OP
OP
I have no clue where that silicon comes from, Ive literally used the RODI 2-3 times to make 240 gallons total. It’s a manual flush unit, I flush before during and after.
I’m not really sure on the salinity. It had to be testing error since the refractometer wasn’t calibrated. I have the Tunze 3155 and it’s been rock solid. I’ve made the mistake in the past putting equipment in the sump and forget it takes water! Haha so that turns the ATO on.
mckinney0171
Well-Known Member
Picking up a 250 in a couple months. Picked up all my plumbing today from BRS as there was a sale today. Can’t wait been watching all the videos in youtube. Three manifolds planned off my varios 6 return.
OP
OP
Did a full test panel this morning
Salinity - 1.025
Alk - 7.9
Calcium - 420
Mag - 1200
Phosphates - 0
Nitrates - 4
Since all of the sps are gone the majority of the other corals are doing fine. With the exception of the scoly. It hasn’t looked good the last few weeks.
Salinity - 1.025
Alk - 7.9
Calcium - 420
Mag - 1200
Phosphates - 0
Nitrates - 4
Since all of the sps are gone the majority of the other corals are doing fine. With the exception of the scoly. It hasn’t looked good the last few weeks.
OP
OP
I haven’t dosed nitrate or phosphate in awhile now. Probably drop a cap full of the seachem phosphorous into the tank to get a reading.
OP
OP
Thanks! I just did a cap full, I’ll test again this afternoon and see where I’m at! It’s been awhile since I’ve tested.
Scurvy
Pirate Reefer
Awesome! You seem to be walking the macro algae tight rope. I would consider half a capful twice a week so long as the alage scrubber keeps plugging away. A day or two at zero is probably fine but prolonged stretches at zero will show.
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