ICP results - Salinity 26.5

[Addicted2Reef’n]

Ok I'm not seeing how their recommended ideal values would change just because salinity is off.

If salinity is half of normal and potassium is half of normal, the potassium is exactly right for the salinity, and a simple salinity correction fixes it. That's the rationale. They don’t want folks thinking the problem is other than salinity if that’s all it is.

If salinity is half of normal and potassium is full strength seawater normal, and they said that was ideal, then a salinity correction will drive it too high.

So this means that I must be careful as I raise my salinity correct ? Because I keep my Alk , Mg and Ca stable and just adding my salt mix will raise those numbers.
Is there a salt I could use that does not have calcium and magnesium added that would not raise those values? I know Alk is another issue.
Theoretically if I was able to just add sodium chloride would that in return raise my Mg and Ca and Alk ?

Over the years I have read your articles and comments on this forum and I know we are all very grateful the time you give to help the community.
What would you do if you were in this situation?
I had thought about using my ato as a vehicle for adding the increase in salinity slowly .
Suggestions?

 

[X-37B]

If salinity is half of normal and potassium is half of normal, the potassium is exactly right for the salinity, and a simple salinity correction fixes it. That's the rationale. They don’t want folks thinking the problem is other than salinity if that’s all it is.

If salinity is half of normal and potassium is full strength seawater normal, and they said that was ideal, then a salinity correction will drive it too high.

Thanks!

I am curious as to how they recommend fixing the values.

They always give recommendations.


So the recommend ideal values are based on current SG.

Seems very confusing for most.

 

[X-37B]

Over the years I have read your articles and comments on this forum and I know we are all very grateful the time you give to help the community.
What would you do if you were in this situation?
I had thought about using my ato as a vehicle for adding the increase in salinity slowly .
Suggestions?

What did ATI recommend to bring the numbers inline?

 

[Addicted2Reef’n]

Ok I'm not seeing how their recommended ideal values would change just because salinity is off.

.

 

[Addicted2Reef’n]

Over the years I have read your articles and comments on this forum and I know we are all very grateful the time you give to help the community.
What would you do if you were in this situation?
I had thought about using my ato as a vehicle for adding the increase in salinity slowly .
Suggestions?

What did ATI recommend to bring the numbers inline?

Salinity Important
Increase the salinity to 35 PSU.
For example, add 8170 ml Absolute Ocean #1 and 8170 ml Absolute Ocean #2 to the aquarium.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

So this means that I must be careful as I raise my salinity correct ? Because I keep my Alk , Mg and Ca stable and just adding my salt mix will raise those numbers.
Is there a salt I could use that does not have calcium and magnesium added that would not raise those values? I know Alk is another issue.
Theoretically if I was able to just add sodium chloride would that in return raise my Mg and Ca and Alk ?

You should not add sodium chloride, because that will keep down everything else, but yes to raising salinity raising everything.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Over the years I have read your articles and comments on this forum and I know we are all very grateful the time you give to help the community.
What would you do if you were in this situation?
I had thought about using my ato as a vehicle for adding the increase in salinity slowly .
Suggestions?

Using the ATO to raise salinity is a fine plan. Stop dosing alk, calcium and magnesium if they are already close to your target levels.

 

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

I would get another test from another vendor!

Alkalinity will go up from 26-35 when you raise specific gravity so keep an eye on it.
Ca is fine
Mag is fine even that high if it's real.

K? if correct, is very high and if truly the number they gave may also be one of your issues.

Their ca ideal value wrong. Who runs ca at 300, no one!

Who runs mag at 940, no one.

Get a TM hydrometer and use it to determine actual sg. Not a fan of another method as the TM is always correct.

I would not base anything on their results and get another test from another vendor.
You can and should test for.
Temp- has influence on sg
SG- has influence on alk
Alk
Ca
Mag
K
No3
P04

Something is way off not just one.
I use ATI and have had excellent repeatable results.

One example that makes no sense.
Mag ideal at 940?
My ATI test within the last few weeks shows normal.

Honestly it makes no sense.
Anyone with a ATI icp we can compare with?

Can’t agree more. TM’s Hydrometer has been a game changer. Buy two, if you’re like me, it will come in handy when you learn the top portion doesn’t bend :) I also got a vessel to float it in. I found that those was part two to the game changer. Not only does it make using the tool easier, but when I am testing the water I make, I put the glass vessel in the water in my sump and it comes to 77 degrees in under 5 minutes. (My RODI can be 90 degrees)

 

[areefer01]

Can’t agree more. TM’s Hydrometer has been a game changer. Buy two, if you’re like me, it will come in handy when you learn the top portion doesn’t bend :) I also got a vessel to float it in. I found that those was part two to the game changer. Not only does it make using the tool easier, but when I am testing the water I make, I put the glass vessel in the water in my sump and it comes to 77 degrees in under 5 minutes. (My RODI can be 90 degrees)

Also recommend buying the Hydrometer, if that is ones choice, from a source that has a good history of supporting returns. Our carriers sometimes can be a bit over worked and packages get damaged. This Hydrometer is somewhat large and while packaged well it took me personally 3 attempts to get one in one piece.

Also nice to have a tall graduated beaker to put the sample water and Hydrometer in.

 

[areefer01]

OP - you have the answers here already but you can also send ATI a message. They typically respond within 24 hours.

Not to verify what has been said here but to get their take on the numbers and your thoughts on the results. Basically sharing your feedback on the report. May help them down the road.

 

[Addicted2Reef’n]

Ok so I have been slowly increasing my salinity to get up to 35ppt. I’m up to 30 now and already my calcium and magnesium are getting very high.
What to do now. Keep adding saltwater to my Ato or look for a salt mix with no calcium or magnesium?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You won’t find a salt mix that solves this issue. Water changes can help.