ICP results, Potassium low?

[CHSUB]

Trusting any home test kit for K is a ticking time bomb. They are notoriously inaccurate and unreliable

After a few days of use Salifert K test kit is giving accurate results, +/- 20 ppm, as compared to ICP results and k additions to tank. Imo, it is similar in terms of reliability as any hobby test kit…not to be completely trusted.

 

[CHSUB]

Completed K dosing, now reading +400 ppm on test kit. Some corals appear to be more brilliant, specifically a Green Torch and Red Monti (in picture). However, last month I did add some supplemental lights to shaded areas, so it is all guessing? I am happy with the outcome so far. Looking at ICP results, I also noticed some trace elements have treaded lower over the year. Fluoride, vanadium and nickel are lower than 1 year and 6 months ago, despite dosing TM K and A Elements. Results are now below desired levels and coral density is much greater, so going to dose these elements independently. Don’t expect improvements but don’t want regression. Hopefully this is not a case of “overthinking” but this is a smallish tank with a high density of corals.

 

[CHSUB]

Received results from 4th ICP and ungraded to MS testing. K results through dosing have returned levels to desired. Also worth noting is Salifert K test kit is rock solid. I dosed K several times and each time the results showed on kit. Final results on Salifert and ICP MS were identical.
In comparison Salifert calcium test is garbage, 3 times results are about 60-100 ppm different than ICP.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Received results from 4th ICP and ungraded to MS testing. K results through dosing have returned levels to desired. Also worth noting is Salifert K test kit is rock solid. I dosed K several times and each time the results showed on kit. Final results on Salifert and ICP MS were identical.
In comparison Salifert calcium test is garbage, 3 times results are about 60-100 ppm different than ICP.

Thanks for the update! :)