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Hi Everyone!
Welcome to the Triton US forum on Reef2Reef- the only official Triton forum in the USA! This is the place to check out to learn about and discuss Triton water testing and the Triton 'Method" of reef keeping!
First off, let's introduce the players here!
Triton US will be distributed by myself, Scott Fellman, and my partner, Joseph Caparatta, owners of Unique Corals. We are handling US distribution of Triton water tests and reef products. While you'll be able to purchase tests, trace elements, and other Triton products on the Unique Corals website, we will not be the only place to obtain them! Triton products will be available nationwide from aquarium stores, selected online vendors, and aquarium maintenance companies.
The owner of Triton Lab, based in Dusseldorf, Germany, is Ehsan Dashti, who has used his chemistry background and much of the last decade to develop his water testing methods and reef keeping philosophies. He also happens to have one of the most beautiful reef systems we've ever seen, with an eye-popping community of absurdly nice "SPS" corals!
Three crazy reefers: Ehsan, Scott, and Joe- at Triton in Dusseldorf
Ehsan's fabulous reef tank, run on "the Triton Method!"
What exactly does Triton offer? Good questions!
Triton offers a very comprehensive water analysis program, which tests almost 30 different trace elements in reef aquarium water using an advanced, above-research-grade inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) machine to analyze aquarium water with a level of detail and precision not previously available to the home hobbyist. By applying this technique, called high precision liquid chromatography, the concentration of Na, S, K, Br, Ca, Mg, Sr, B, As, Sb, Pb, Cu, Zn, Sn, Mo, Si, Li, Mn, Al, I, P, Ba, Be, Co, Cr, Fe, V, Ni, Ti, Hg, Cd and Se can be determined using ICP-OES.
What this means to you, as a hobbyist, is that you have more detailed information on your water than ever before. Ehsan has developed a test protocol and levels of detection specifically for the needs of reef aquariums (not for analytical research!), and has done extensive sampling of natural seawater (NSW) at reef locations around the world. By using NSW conditions as a target, the Triton test can tell you exactly how the trace element levels in your water compare to those of natural sea water, with precise information about how to affect changes that can bring your water into a more accurate approximation of NSW. We call this "empowered reef keeping", because it provides real information which you can use to create optimum conditions for your corals.
This is what it's all about- healthy, beautiful corals!
Triton also proffers a method of maintaining the proper ionic balance in your water via a 4-part calcium/alkalinity/trace element additive (an improvement upon the two and three part calcium/alkalinity additives on the market now, because it also includes the trace elements at proper NSW rations). When coupled with a program of periodic testing and supplementing or reducing trace element levels when needed, you'll find that this is actually one of the least-involved and easiest methods of reef keeping around! It sounds a bit intimidating at first, but in actuality, it isn't? You're simply giving your reef everything it needs, and nothing it doesn't. You're not using an endless series of additives and potions- you will simply add the required amounts of pure trace elements to achieve and maintain NSW levels. If you have excesses of some substances, Triton will tell you what to do to lower them if they are at harmful levels.
Once you get your reef dialed in, it's simply a matter of following typical aquarium husbandry procedures, which we will outline in future posts. Your aquarium does not require any elaborate equipment or exotic monitoring systems. Sure, a doser would be great to add the 4-part solution (which may be dosed in three parts), but it can be added manually as well. In order to maintain the proper ionic balance and specific gravity, you will periodically have to remove some tank water and replace with RO/DI water in proportion to the amount of 4-part solution added, but Triton does not advocate regular water changes in the typical fashion that we are accustomed to. Again, we'll touch on all of this stuff soon!
Starting October 15th, you'll be able to purchase Triton water test kits from Unique Corals and many other aquatic businesses across the US. If you'd like your dealer to carry the Triton tests and additives, have them call us at 1-707-TRITON8, and we will be happy to hook them up! we are in the process of developing the Triton US website, and it will provide much more detailed information as things evolve. We'll be refining the information, content, and products as months go by, and we welcome your input to improve things!
The starting point...The Triton water test kit.
Here's how it works:
Once you obtain the kit, go online and visit Triton's website at Register | Triton GmbH and follow the registration procedure (which takes like 3 minutes). You'll receive registration numbers for your sample vials, which you need to write on the label included with the kit and affix it to the vial. Collect two vials of water from your reef, seal them up, and return them to Triton US with the included return postpaid label. The tests are forwarded twice weekly via Fed Ex to Triton's facility in Germany for testing. You'll receive test results within 10 days, which will be available by logging into your account on the Triton website.
We'll be delving into a lot more detail about what the test results mean, how to correct parameters, and how to try out the "Triton Method" of running your system. As complicated as it might seem, it's actually quite simple, and may very well be one of the most successful methods you've ever employed to run a reef tank.
That being said, no system is 100% perfect- no one has all the answers. No one is proffering this as revolutionary, earthshaking, or the only way to run a tank. However, you'll find that Triton's test will provide you with the "missing link" of information about your aquarium water that you may have needed. There will be questions, criticisms, and probably some people making accusatory statements about this method.
We'll do our best to address as many of them as we can as accurately as possible. We learn more every day, and there is still much we don't know about trace elements. However, we have not previously had this level of accuracy and detail before for the hobby, and this information can eliminate a lot of "guessing" and blindly adding vague solutions of trace elements, etc. IS it for everybody? Probably not. But if you've got an inkling to try a different, more information-based reef keeping method, Triton may be for you!
The possibilities available via "empowered reef keeping."
We are looking forward to sharing our experiences, teaching, learning, and growing together while practicing this "method." Joe, Ehsan, and I are committed to providing honest, helpful information, and a high level of transparency for this stuff. We aren't selling a gimmick product, or "snake oil." Triton is empowered reef keeping based on measurable facts, not assumptions- and we are super excited about the future! We aim to provide the super-high level of service that you've come to expect from Joe and I with our other ventures. We hope to gain valuable feedback and forum participation from you as you try our Triton's tests and other products, and move forward on this great adventure in reef keeping!
Regards,
Joseph Caparatta and Scott Fellman
Triton US
Welcome to the Triton US forum on Reef2Reef- the only official Triton forum in the USA! This is the place to check out to learn about and discuss Triton water testing and the Triton 'Method" of reef keeping!
First off, let's introduce the players here!
Triton US will be distributed by myself, Scott Fellman, and my partner, Joseph Caparatta, owners of Unique Corals. We are handling US distribution of Triton water tests and reef products. While you'll be able to purchase tests, trace elements, and other Triton products on the Unique Corals website, we will not be the only place to obtain them! Triton products will be available nationwide from aquarium stores, selected online vendors, and aquarium maintenance companies.
The owner of Triton Lab, based in Dusseldorf, Germany, is Ehsan Dashti, who has used his chemistry background and much of the last decade to develop his water testing methods and reef keeping philosophies. He also happens to have one of the most beautiful reef systems we've ever seen, with an eye-popping community of absurdly nice "SPS" corals!
Three crazy reefers: Ehsan, Scott, and Joe- at Triton in Dusseldorf
Ehsan's fabulous reef tank, run on "the Triton Method!"
What exactly does Triton offer? Good questions!
Triton offers a very comprehensive water analysis program, which tests almost 30 different trace elements in reef aquarium water using an advanced, above-research-grade inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) machine to analyze aquarium water with a level of detail and precision not previously available to the home hobbyist. By applying this technique, called high precision liquid chromatography, the concentration of Na, S, K, Br, Ca, Mg, Sr, B, As, Sb, Pb, Cu, Zn, Sn, Mo, Si, Li, Mn, Al, I, P, Ba, Be, Co, Cr, Fe, V, Ni, Ti, Hg, Cd and Se can be determined using ICP-OES.
What this means to you, as a hobbyist, is that you have more detailed information on your water than ever before. Ehsan has developed a test protocol and levels of detection specifically for the needs of reef aquariums (not for analytical research!), and has done extensive sampling of natural seawater (NSW) at reef locations around the world. By using NSW conditions as a target, the Triton test can tell you exactly how the trace element levels in your water compare to those of natural sea water, with precise information about how to affect changes that can bring your water into a more accurate approximation of NSW. We call this "empowered reef keeping", because it provides real information which you can use to create optimum conditions for your corals.
This is what it's all about- healthy, beautiful corals!
Triton also proffers a method of maintaining the proper ionic balance in your water via a 4-part calcium/alkalinity/trace element additive (an improvement upon the two and three part calcium/alkalinity additives on the market now, because it also includes the trace elements at proper NSW rations). When coupled with a program of periodic testing and supplementing or reducing trace element levels when needed, you'll find that this is actually one of the least-involved and easiest methods of reef keeping around! It sounds a bit intimidating at first, but in actuality, it isn't? You're simply giving your reef everything it needs, and nothing it doesn't. You're not using an endless series of additives and potions- you will simply add the required amounts of pure trace elements to achieve and maintain NSW levels. If you have excesses of some substances, Triton will tell you what to do to lower them if they are at harmful levels.
Once you get your reef dialed in, it's simply a matter of following typical aquarium husbandry procedures, which we will outline in future posts. Your aquarium does not require any elaborate equipment or exotic monitoring systems. Sure, a doser would be great to add the 4-part solution (which may be dosed in three parts), but it can be added manually as well. In order to maintain the proper ionic balance and specific gravity, you will periodically have to remove some tank water and replace with RO/DI water in proportion to the amount of 4-part solution added, but Triton does not advocate regular water changes in the typical fashion that we are accustomed to. Again, we'll touch on all of this stuff soon!
Starting October 15th, you'll be able to purchase Triton water test kits from Unique Corals and many other aquatic businesses across the US. If you'd like your dealer to carry the Triton tests and additives, have them call us at 1-707-TRITON8, and we will be happy to hook them up! we are in the process of developing the Triton US website, and it will provide much more detailed information as things evolve. We'll be refining the information, content, and products as months go by, and we welcome your input to improve things!
The starting point...The Triton water test kit.
Here's how it works:
Once you obtain the kit, go online and visit Triton's website at Register | Triton GmbH and follow the registration procedure (which takes like 3 minutes). You'll receive registration numbers for your sample vials, which you need to write on the label included with the kit and affix it to the vial. Collect two vials of water from your reef, seal them up, and return them to Triton US with the included return postpaid label. The tests are forwarded twice weekly via Fed Ex to Triton's facility in Germany for testing. You'll receive test results within 10 days, which will be available by logging into your account on the Triton website.
We'll be delving into a lot more detail about what the test results mean, how to correct parameters, and how to try out the "Triton Method" of running your system. As complicated as it might seem, it's actually quite simple, and may very well be one of the most successful methods you've ever employed to run a reef tank.
That being said, no system is 100% perfect- no one has all the answers. No one is proffering this as revolutionary, earthshaking, or the only way to run a tank. However, you'll find that Triton's test will provide you with the "missing link" of information about your aquarium water that you may have needed. There will be questions, criticisms, and probably some people making accusatory statements about this method.
We'll do our best to address as many of them as we can as accurately as possible. We learn more every day, and there is still much we don't know about trace elements. However, we have not previously had this level of accuracy and detail before for the hobby, and this information can eliminate a lot of "guessing" and blindly adding vague solutions of trace elements, etc. IS it for everybody? Probably not. But if you've got an inkling to try a different, more information-based reef keeping method, Triton may be for you!
The possibilities available via "empowered reef keeping."
We are looking forward to sharing our experiences, teaching, learning, and growing together while practicing this "method." Joe, Ehsan, and I are committed to providing honest, helpful information, and a high level of transparency for this stuff. We aren't selling a gimmick product, or "snake oil." Triton is empowered reef keeping based on measurable facts, not assumptions- and we are super excited about the future! We aim to provide the super-high level of service that you've come to expect from Joe and I with our other ventures. We hope to gain valuable feedback and forum participation from you as you try our Triton's tests and other products, and move forward on this great adventure in reef keeping!
Regards,
Joseph Caparatta and Scott Fellman
Triton US
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