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IMO, there are huge uncertainties that go well beyond whether an ICP is accurate.
These are:
1. Trace element concentrations vary greatly in the ocean, both with location and depth. Thus, the goal of "matching the ocean" is not simply met, even with perfect supplements and daily testing.
2. The chemical form of trace elements can impact the bioavailability and toxicity greatly, yet ICP says nothing about the chemical form actually present. One cannot (should not) assume the form dosed is the form present.
3. There is only general information on what levels of any individual trace element are desirable for a reef tank. Almost no one is carefully varying a single element and maintaining everything else unchanged and looking to observe a positive or negative effect at different concentrations.
With all of this info together, ICP can be helpful for any individual reefer doing trial and error experiments to see what is helpful to the aquarium life, but assuming one must target any specific level of any trace element with dosing and measurement (and removal, if needed), is not really justified by the current state of the art.
These are:
1. Trace element concentrations vary greatly in the ocean, both with location and depth. Thus, the goal of "matching the ocean" is not simply met, even with perfect supplements and daily testing.
2. The chemical form of trace elements can impact the bioavailability and toxicity greatly, yet ICP says nothing about the chemical form actually present. One cannot (should not) assume the form dosed is the form present.
3. There is only general information on what levels of any individual trace element are desirable for a reef tank. Almost no one is carefully varying a single element and maintaining everything else unchanged and looking to observe a positive or negative effect at different concentrations.
With all of this info together, ICP can be helpful for any individual reefer doing trial and error experiments to see what is helpful to the aquarium life, but assuming one must target any specific level of any trace element with dosing and measurement (and removal, if needed), is not really justified by the current state of the art.