How to test If Frag rack (magnet) is leaching metals (Tin/Zinc)

[Wtyson254]

I got my ICP test back and it showed elevated Tin and Elevated zinc, which i have read can be byproducts of corrosion. I have inspected all of my equipment and did not find any evidence of rust or corrosion. How would I go about testing all of the magnets in my aquarium (gyre, vortech wetside, frag rack) for corrosion? Is there some sort of solution i can place them in that will bubble or change color with leaching ?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I don’t know if an easy way to detect corrosion of those metals if you see none.
I also would not assume it must be from a corroding metal.

 

[Wtyson254]

I don’t know if an easy way to detect corrosion of those metals if you see none.
I also would not assume it must be from a corroding metal.

what other sources of elevated Tin and zinc should I look for.

here is my ICP test

 

[ScottR]

If you have PVC plumbed in, that may be the cause.

 

[Gareth elliott]

Rare earth magnets corrode rapidly in saltwater.

This is after they have been exposed to air, in the water they went from looking like nickel to black in practically a day.

 

[Wtyson254]

If you have PVC plumbed in, that may be the cause.

the tank was set up in November (Waterbox 70:2) and there are pvc return and drain pipes.

I did a 10 gallon water change and added some TLF metasorb

 

[Wtyson254]

Rare earth magnets corrode rapidly in saltwater.

This is after they have been exposed to air, in the water they went from looking like nickel to black in practically a day.

All of the magnets are plastic covered so all that I would be Abel to see is small rust traces

 

[Wtyson254]

I placed a volt meter on my grounding wire and got 0v, so there is no stray current in the tank.

 

[ScottR]

the tank was set up in November (Waterbox 70:2) and there are pvc return and drain pipes.

I did a 10 gallon water change and added some TLF metasorb

PVC is commonly made with tin in North America so that’s probably the reason why. But it’s quite common in most ICP tests I’ve seen.

 

[Wtyson254]

Even at 69 mcg/L?
That seems overly high

 

[Wtyson254]

My next batch of ICP tests should arrive within the next week, so I will be able to send off a new sample. Hopefully with the metasorb the level will go down.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Tin can also come from the aquarium glass.

If corals and other inverts look OK, and no apparent metal parts are the issue, I wouldn't agonize over it. We don't have good info on what levels of tin are an issue, especially since we also do not know the form of tin present in your tank.

 

[Drendo]

Tin can also come from the aquarium glass.

If corals and other inverts look OK, and no apparent metal parts are the issue, I wouldn't agonize over it. We don't have good info on what levels of tin are an issue, especially since we also do not know the form of tin present in your tank.

Thank you for this. My ICPs tests drive me crazy. Every time I think I found the source, my next icp shows elevated metal levels again. The only thing I haven’t swapped out is my frag racks. Everything seems healthy, so maybe I won’t sweat it.

 

[john90009]

@Wtyson254 did anything ever come from your next icp test? I have a new waterbox as well and am getting tin.