ICP test and high Sulfer?

Greg Depo

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So I today I got my icp results back. I noticed a few parameters are off. The one of greatest concern would be sulfur was elevated. The comments on the test said check your salt mix. I switched to tropic marin about a month ago. Anyone else notice this using TM and then obviously is this something that can hinder coral growth or something I should be concerned about?
 

Randy Holmes-Farley

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Well, obviously the level would be worth knowing. lol

In general, sulfate is the third highest weight concentration in in seawater, at about 2700 ppm sulfate, and variations in it are not likely a big deal. Salt mixes do vary and unless you have been dosing a lot of Epsom salt for magnesium, then the salt mix is the source.
 
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Greg Depo

Greg Depo

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Well, obviously the level would be worth knowing. lol

In general, sulfate is the third highest weight concentration in in seawater, at about 2700 ppm sulfate, and variations in it are not likely a big deal. Salt mixes do vary and unless you have been dosing a lot of Epsom salt for magnesium, then the salt mix is the source.

Ha Probably a good idea huh!

Sulfur S
Value: 996.9
Result:
high.png

Calculated reference value: 815.0

Also my mag doesn't appear elevated
Magnesium Mg
Value: 1324
Result:
check.png

Calculated reference value: 1165

Only other value of note that was elevated was iodine which was substantially higher.

Iodine I
Value:329.7
Result:
high.png

Calculated reference value: 57.58
 
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Randy Holmes-Farley

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Their reference value is way too low, unless it is being calculated based on your salinity being low.


35 ppt seawater contains 2700 ppm sulfate, which includes 900 ppm sulfur.

What is your salinity?

In any case, i would not worry much about sulfate if you are not dosing it.
 
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Greg Depo

Greg Depo

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Their reference value is way too low, unless it is being calculated based on your salinity being low.


35 ppt seawater contains 2700 ppm sulfate, which includes 900 ppm sulfur.

What is your salinity?

In any case, i would not worry much about sulfate if you are not dosing it.

The salinity was lower than I anticipated... Maybe I don't fully understand salinity compared to gravity but my refractometer and old school swing arm device shows .026. Not sure if it means anything towards sulfur but I am dosing Sodium Bicarbonate from BRS.

Salinity (NaCl) NaCl
Value:31.00
Result:
low_med.png

Calculated reference value: 35.00

I'd like to bring that up to the 35ppt so I ordered some calibration fluid to make sure my refractometer is correct.
 

Randy Holmes-Farley

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Ok, that low salinity is why they say sulfate should be low.

The sodium bicarbonate is not altering sulfate.

Calibration fluid sounds like a good plan.
 

ReefRondo

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Randy Holmes-Farley

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ReefRondo

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Are you dosing any sulfate, like Epsom Salt for magnesium? Or using Balling Part C?
Nope. Bear in mind this is an ICP test of purely RO water and the TMPR salt mixed to 1.025 and not water from my tank.

 

Randy Holmes-Farley

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Nope. Bear in mind this is an ICP test of purely RO water and the TMPR salt mixed to 1.025 and not water from my tank.


Ah, ok, thanks. It is heavy on sulfate if the sg is correct, but I do not know what, if any, effect that will have on a tank.
 

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