ICP result - Aluminum Issue

[xuzhan999]

Hi all,

I’ve received my first ICP test results and found elevated aluminum. I suspect the Brightwell Bio Bricks may be the source. I’m considering replacing the bricks with rock in my sump, but I’m concerned about destabilizing the system. Could you please share recommendations to ensure a smooth transition?

https://lab.faunamarin.de/en/share/analysis/236807
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[GSPClown94]

I believe all clays contain some aluminum, so I agree those bio bricks are likely the source of your elevated aluminum.
If you want to use dry rock then swapping the bricks with rock one at a time over some length of time would probably be best. If you use live rock then that length of time can be shorter depending on the quality of live rock you get. Test phosphate regularly and adjust if needed.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I doubt the bricks are needed, but the aluminum is probably not high enough to be a big problem.

I’d raise the phosphate (feed more it dose) and raise the salinity.

 

[xuzhan999]

I doubt the bricks are needed, but the aluminum is probably not high enough to be a big problem.

I’d raise the phosphate (feed more it dose) and raise the salinity.

Thanks for the reply! Do you think it would be a good idea to place a washed dry rock in a bucket with my tank water, add Microbacter 7, let it sit overnight, and then move it to my sump? Or do you think it won’t destabilize my tank at all since I already have plenty of rock in my display tank?

You can see the amount of rock and bio-bricks in my tank below:

Again, thank you very much for your advice!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I think I’d just remove it and not replace it. It likely is not doing anything useful. But adding back rock is fine.