Help to understand ICP test

[Digitalfirex]

Just did an ICP test...

Happy for the most part, and pleasantly surprised my phosphate wasn't crazy with my stocking. 220g gallon display with roughly 80g in sump.

 

[jda]

Biology can happen in the vial during shipping that can change po4 numbers over time. If you have a good po4 test kit, I would trust it. The ICP companies use the same type of tests that we do - acetic acid color changing.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'd boost potassium, and you might consider experimenting with iodine and other trace element (iron, manganese, vanadium, etc.) dosing.

The lithium is not an issue, IMO.

 

[Digitalfirex]

I'm currently dosing AFR and aquaforrest components 1,2,3.... I assumed those contained all the trace elements I needed. Will definitely look at potassium and iodine separately tho.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'm currently dosing AFR and aquaforrest components 1,2,3.... I assumed those contained all the trace elements I needed. Will definitely look at potassium and iodine separately tho.

They may, which is why I said experiment. None detected by icp does not necessarily imply they are too low, just that they may be.