Introducing the Oceamo Organo-MS Analysis

[stenopus]

NONE of the elements you mention need icp-ms because all are way above the detection limits of both.most are not even considered trace elements.

Elements that may benefit from icp-ms are the low level trace elements such as nickel.

I do not dose potassium as it does not deplete in my tank.

I use All For Reef for some of the low level trace elements and dose it based on alkalinity. When I did have an icp-ms done, all were fine except two that were apparently low in my salt mix. I doses those independently and now always dose to my new salt

I know which elements are macro or micro or trace etc... you have asked me what i am testing for etc.. You can do whatever you wanna do, for example i will never use calcium formate in my tanks.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I know which elements are macro or micro or trace etc... you have asked me what i am testing for etc.. You can do whatever you wanna do, for example i will never use calcium formate in my tanks.

You have never answered my question on targets for low level trace elements and how you monitor them. Nickel, for example.

 

[BeanAnimal]

What i have said is very simple to understand and it is that you don't need to pay for very expensive MS tests when you have the same level of success with OES.

That does not answer my question. Let’s try again, what specific ICP metric or metrics are being used to ensure success and why does the difference between the two flavors of tests not matter, but ICP in general does matter?

Further, how is the level of success defined and why is ICP needed at all?

 

[Christoph]

Hello,

As Randy already mentioned, there is no advantage in measuring macroelements using ICP-MS. The main strength of this technique lies in the analysis of trace elements and inorganic pollutants. For many trace elements, ICP-OES simply lacks the sensitivity required to detect low concentrations—typically it can only identify significantly elevated levels. Therefore, it is generally not suitable for making dosing decisions for these elements.

However, this thread is about Organo-MS, a LC-HR-MS/MS–based approach used to identify and quantify specific organic compounds in reef aquariums. This topic is unrelated to ICP methods.

It would be great if we could keep the discussion focused on Organo-MS within this thread.

Have a great Sunday!
Christoph

 

[Christoph]

Hi all,




A recent talk i had with Salem from Novel Aquatics - its basically about one year of Organo-MS: Lessons learnt and recent improvements.

All the best!
Christoph

 

[Christoph]

Good news, everyone!

We have expanded the Organo‑MS targeted analysis with several new analytes that can be highly relevant for aquarium diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and contamination screening. These additions improve the ability to detect residues from medications & antibiotics, additives, veterinary treatments, and anthropogenic contaminants that may influence aquarium health.

Here is the list of added substances with some background info:

Coumarin​

Coumarin is a naturally occurring aromatic compound found in many plants and fragrances. In the aquarium context, it can be relevant as a marker for plant-derived additives, botanical extracts, or contamination from household products. Monitoring coumarin may help identify unexpected organic inputs into sensitive systems.

Prednisone​

Prednisone is a corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drug used in human and veterinary medicine. While it is not a standard aquarium medication, residues can enter aquatic systems through wastewater contamination or accidental introduction.

Salicylic Acid​

Salicylic acid is widely used in pharmaceuticals and skincare products and is also naturally produced by plants. In aquariums, it can originate from environmental contamination or plant-based additives. It has also been used against cyanobacteria.

Sucralose​

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener frequently used as a marker for wastewater influence because of its high environmental persistence. Detection in aquarium-related samples can indicate contamination from tap water, household exposure, or recycled water sources. It is especially useful as a tracer compound for anthropogenic input.

Tylosin​

Tylosin is a macrolide antibiotic commonly used in veterinary medicine. In aquatics, antibiotics are of particular interest because even low concentrations may affect nitrifying bacteria, microbial diversity, and antibiotic resistance development. Tylosin is sometimes used in products for cyanobacteria treatment. Monitoring tylosin can help identify contamination or unintended carryover from medicated systems.

Azithromycin​

Azithromycin is another macrolide antibiotic with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Residues in aquarium systems may influence microbial ecology. Screening for azithromycin is valuable for both environmental monitoring and identifying hidden pharmaceutical contamination.

Enrofloxacin​

Enrofloxacin is a veterinary fluoroquinolone (closely related to ciprofloxacin) frequently used in animal treatment, including ornamental fish medicine in some regions. Residues may remain in water, substrate, or biofilms after treatment. Adding enrofloxacin to the panel improves the ability to investigate medication carryover.

Norfloxacin​

Norfloxacin is another fluoroquinolone antibiotic with relevance in aquatic environmental monitoring. Like related compounds, it may interfere with bacterial processes and persist in aquatic systems. Its inclusion strengthens the panel’s coverage of commonly detected antibiotic residues.

Sulfathiazole​

Sulfathiazole belongs to the sulfonamide class of antibiotics. Sulfonamides have historically been used in veterinary and aquaculture applications and remain environmentally relevant contaminants. Monitoring sulfathiazole can provide insight into pharmaceutical exposure and potential impacts on biological filtration.

Ivermectin​

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic compound widely used in veterinary medicine. Even trace levels are known to be highly toxic to many aquatic invertebrates. Its detection is especially relevant for reef aquariums and systems containing shrimp, snails, copepods, or other sensitive organisms.

Moxidectin​

Moxidectin is another macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic related to ivermectin. It is persistent and biologically active at very low concentrations. In aquarium systems, unintended introduction could negatively affect microfauna and non-target invertebrates.

Milbemycin oxime​

Milbemycin compounds are commonly known in the reef aquarium hobby because milbemycin oxime is used to treat red bugs and other crustacean parasites in corals. While highly effective, residues can also affect beneficial crustaceans and microfauna. Including milbemycin in the panel provides better visibility into treatment residues and contamination risks.

Oxfenbendazole​

Oxfenbendazole is the metabolite of benzimidazole antiparasitic fenbendazole, which is regularly used to treat tanks.It may also negatively affect snails and some sensitive invertebrates. Measuring oxfenbendazole residues can help evaluate persistence after treatment and possible long-term side effects. Also it is a marker for past fenbendazole use, when the parent drug is not detectable anymore.

Chloramphenicol​

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with strict regulatory controls in many countries due to toxicity concerns. Although rarely used intentionally in aquariums today, its detection is important from an environmental and contamination-monitoring perspective. The addition of chloramphenicol improves broad pharmaceutical screening capability within the Organo‑MS workflow.

These additions significantly expand the analytical coverage of the Organo‑MS method and improve its usefulness for advanced aquarium diagnostics, treatment control, contamination tracing, and environmental monitoring. The goal is to provide deeper insight into hidden chemical stressors that may affect aquarium stability, microbial balance, coral health, and sensitive invertebrate populations.

In case of any questions, im happy to help!
Best regards, Chrisoph

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Very good news. The medications and antibiotics may be especially useful for monitoring of levels after use!

 

[hatfielj]

I just had one of these done on my system and found the results helpful. I had some surprising things in my water that I didn’t expect (for instance nicotine even though no one in my house smokes and we have no neighbors??). But there were enough unexpected contaminants that I felt it was necessary to start running some CAC to get rid of it. I am sending another one in a couple of weeks to make sure it’s improving.

 

[Peer.Boerner]

Thanks for letting us know! I’ll have to try your tests next.

 

[Dan_P]

I just had one of these done on my system and found the results helpful. I had some surprising things in my water that I didn’t expect (for instance nicotine even though no one in my house smokes and we have no neighbors??). But there were enough unexpected contaminants that I felt it was necessary to start running some CAC to get rid of it. I am sending another one in a couple of weeks to make sure it’s improving.

Do you wish to add your analysis results to the R2R database I am keeping? I will provide a graphical comparison of your results to the other results. Just post them here.

Dan

 

[Lasse]

@Christoph Is it possible that Organo MS could detect thiocyanate or organic metabolites from cyanide in the future?

In the list - there is at least one metabolite - Oxfenbendazole - does it mean that it possible to detect this compound in tanks not treated with fenbendazole but contain fishes from tanks there fenbendazole have been used? Does the method incorporate other metabolites from antibiotics?

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Christoph]

@Christoph Is it possible that Organo MS could detect thiocyanate or organic metabolites from cyanide in the future?

In the list - there is at least one metabolite - Oxfenbendazole - does it mean that it possible to detect this compound in tanks not treated with fenbendazole but contain fishes from tanks there fenbendazole have been used? Does the method incorporate other metabolites from antibiotics?

Sincerely Lasse

Hello Lasse,

There was one paper regarding the detection of thiocyanate excreted by fish to diagnose “cyanide fishing.” As far as I can remember, other groups were never able to replicate these measurements, and it may even be the case (if I remember correctly) that the original paper has since been retracted. If anyone currently has the time to dig into this literature, an update would be very welcome.

Anyhow, with Organo-MS we cannot detect thiocyanate or cyanide — different analytical setups would be required for this.

When fenbendazole is dosed into a tank, it is relatively quickly transformed into its sulfoxide derivative (oxfenbendazole). This compound remains in the water column longer than fenbendazole itself and also has antiparasitic properties. Therefore, past fenbendazole treatments can be observed for a longer period by looking for oxfenbendazole rather than fenbendazole itself.

Whether a treated fish excretes enough oxfenbendazole after being transferred into a new aquarium for the treatment to be detectable in the water column would depend on many factors and is nearly impossible to predict.

All the best,
Christoph

 

[jeremie]

Good news, everyone!

We have expanded the Organo‑MS targeted analysis with several new analytes that can be highly relevant for aquarium diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and contamination screening. These additions improve the ability to detect residues from medications & antibiotics, additives, veterinary treatments, and anthropogenic contaminants that may influence aquarium health.

Here is the list of added substances with some background info:

Coumarin​

Coumarin is a naturally occurring aromatic compound found in many plants and fragrances. In the aquarium context, it can be relevant as a marker for plant-derived additives, botanical extracts, or contamination from household products. Monitoring coumarin may help identify unexpected organic inputs into sensitive systems.

Prednisone​

Prednisone is a corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drug used in human and veterinary medicine. While it is not a standard aquarium medication, residues can enter aquatic systems through wastewater contamination or accidental introduction.

Salicylic Acid​

Salicylic acid is widely used in pharmaceuticals and skincare products and is also naturally produced by plants. In aquariums, it can originate from environmental contamination or plant-based additives. It has also been used against cyanobacteria.

Sucralose​

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener frequently used as a marker for wastewater influence because of its high environmental persistence. Detection in aquarium-related samples can indicate contamination from tap water, household exposure, or recycled water sources. It is especially useful as a tracer compound for anthropogenic input.

Tylosin​

Tylosin is a macrolide antibiotic commonly used in veterinary medicine. In aquatics, antibiotics are of particular interest because even low concentrations may affect nitrifying bacteria, microbial diversity, and antibiotic resistance development. Tylosin is sometimes used in products for cyanobacteria treatment. Monitoring tylosin can help identify contamination or unintended carryover from medicated systems.

Azithromycin​

Azithromycin is another macrolide antibiotic with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Residues in aquarium systems may influence microbial ecology. Screening for azithromycin is valuable for both environmental monitoring and identifying hidden pharmaceutical contamination.

Enrofloxacin​

Enrofloxacin is a veterinary fluoroquinolone (closely related to ciprofloxacin) frequently used in animal treatment, including ornamental fish medicine in some regions. Residues may remain in water, substrate, or biofilms after treatment. Adding enrofloxacin to the panel improves the ability to investigate medication carryover.

Norfloxacin​

Norfloxacin is another fluoroquinolone antibiotic with relevance in aquatic environmental monitoring. Like related compounds, it may interfere with bacterial processes and persist in aquatic systems. Its inclusion strengthens the panel’s coverage of commonly detected antibiotic residues.

Sulfathiazole​

Sulfathiazole belongs to the sulfonamide class of antibiotics. Sulfonamides have historically been used in veterinary and aquaculture applications and remain environmentally relevant contaminants. Monitoring sulfathiazole can provide insight into pharmaceutical exposure and potential impacts on biological filtration.

Ivermectin​

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic compound widely used in veterinary medicine. Even trace levels are known to be highly toxic to many aquatic invertebrates. Its detection is especially relevant for reef aquariums and systems containing shrimp, snails, copepods, or other sensitive organisms.

Moxidectin​

Moxidectin is another macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic related to ivermectin. It is persistent and biologically active at very low concentrations. In aquarium systems, unintended introduction could negatively affect microfauna and non-target invertebrates.

Milbemycin oxime​

Milbemycin compounds are commonly known in the reef aquarium hobby because milbemycin oxime is used to treat red bugs and other crustacean parasites in corals. While highly effective, residues can also affect beneficial crustaceans and microfauna. Including milbemycin in the panel provides better visibility into treatment residues and contamination risks.

Oxfenbendazole​

Oxfenbendazole is the metabolite of benzimidazole antiparasitic fenbendazole, which is regularly used to treat tanks.It may also negatively affect snails and some sensitive invertebrates. Measuring oxfenbendazole residues can help evaluate persistence after treatment and possible long-term side effects. Also it is a marker for past fenbendazole use, when the parent drug is not detectable anymore.

Chloramphenicol​

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with strict regulatory controls in many countries due to toxicity concerns. Although rarely used intentionally in aquariums today, its detection is important from an environmental and contamination-monitoring perspective. The addition of chloramphenicol improves broad pharmaceutical screening capability within the Organo‑MS workflow.

These additions significantly expand the analytical coverage of the Organo‑MS method and improve its usefulness for advanced aquarium diagnostics, treatment control, contamination tracing, and environmental monitoring. The goal is to provide deeper insight into hidden chemical stressors that may affect aquarium stability, microbial balance, coral health, and sensitive invertebrate populations.

In case of any questions, im happy to help!
Best regards, Chrisoph

Nice addition. I was just thinking about milbemycin.

Is it also possible to measure urea concentration using Organo-MS? If so, do you plan to include it in the targeted analysis in the future?

 

[hatfielj]

Do you wish to add your analysis results to the R2R database I am keeping? I will provide a graphical comparison of your results to the other results. Just post them here.

Dan

Sure, where do I send it and in what format?

 

[Dan_P]

Sure, where do I send it and in what format?

Thanks.

You can attach it to your response to me on this thread as a file attachment. A pdf file is fine. I think you can download your report from the Oceamo site as a pdf file.

 

[hatfielj]

Thanks.

You can attach it to your response to me on this thread as a file attachment. A pdf file is fine. I think you can download your report from the Oceamo site as a pdf file.

 

[hatfielj]

I ran some CAC for a few weeks to hopefully get rid of some of these weird contaminants. I'm also going to try to keep my hands out of the tank as much as possible and do a better job of really washing my hands and arms before doing any work on the tank.

The Cipro was interesting because I dosed it months ago and I wouldn't have expected to still see it present. I think this goes to show how sensitive these analyses are. I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile to send a sample of my RO/DI water to see if any of these contaminants are coming from my source water. I am going to send another follow up tank sample soon to see if the carbon helped.

It's disturbing to see how many different chemicals were found that I have no idea how they are getting in the tank. Some are obvious (plastic chemicals coming from PVC and tubing, etc) But, for the other stuff, I don't know if they are coming in on my hands or through the RO/DI water or frozen foods or through the air.

But, I think this illustrates just how prevalent chemicals are in our environment. It's troubling to me as we try to only buy organic food and we don't use herbicides or pesticides on our property and we try to be aware of exposures to chemicals as much as possible, yet we're still seeing these things showing up in our home somehow. With everything you see and hear about cancer rates on the rise in young people and diseases such as parkinsons (which is caused by environmental exposures, especially herbicides) it's not comforting to see these things showing up in our tanks, because it means we are being exposed to the chemicals too:(

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I ran some CAC for a few weeks to hopefully get rid of some of these weird contaminants. I'm also going to try to keep my hands out of the tank as much as possible and do a better job of really washing my hands and arms before doing any work on the tank.

The Cipro was interesting because I dosed it months ago and I wouldn't have expected to still see it present. I think this goes to show how sensitive these analyses are. I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile to send a sample of my RO/DI water to see if any of these contaminants are coming from my source water. I am going to send another follow up tank sample soon to see if the carbon helped.

It's disturbing to see how many different chemicals were found that I have no idea how they are getting in the tank. Some are obvious (plastic chemicals coming from PVC and tubing, etc) But, for the other stuff, I don't know if they are coming in on my hands or through the RO/DI water or frozen foods or through the air.

But, I think this illustrates just how prevalent chemicals are in our environment. It's troubling to me as we try to only buy organic food and we don't use herbicides or pesticides on our property and we try to be aware of exposures to chemicals as much as possible, yet we're still seeing these things showing up in our home somehow. With everything you see and hear about cancer rates on the rise in young people and diseases such as parkinsons (which is caused by environmental exposures, especially herbicides) it's not comforting to see these things showing up in our tanks, because it means we are being exposed to the chemicals too:(

What fraction of the cipro remained based on your starting dose?

 

[Lasse]

I ran some CAC for a few weeks to hopefully get rid of some of these weird contaminants. I'm also going to try to keep my hands out of the tank as much as possible and do a better job of really washing my hands and arms before doing any work on the tank.

The Cipro was interesting because I dosed it months ago and I wouldn't have expected to still see it present. I think this goes to show how sensitive these analyses are. I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile to send a sample of my RO/DI water to see if any of these contaminants are coming from my source water. I am going to send another follow up tank sample soon to see if the carbon helped.

It's disturbing to see how many different chemicals were found that I have no idea how they are getting in the tank. Some are obvious (plastic chemicals coming from PVC and tubing, etc) But, for the other stuff, I don't know if they are coming in on my hands or through the RO/DI water or frozen foods or through the air.

But, I think this illustrates just how prevalent chemicals are in our environment. It's troubling to me as we try to only buy organic food and we don't use herbicides or pesticides on our property and we try to be aware of exposures to chemicals as much as possible, yet we're still seeing these things showing up in our home somehow. With everything you see and hear about cancer rates on the rise in young people and diseases such as parkinsons (which is caused by environmental exposures, especially herbicides) it's not comforting to see these things showing up in our tanks, because it means we are being exposed to the chemicals too:(

You can find other results here

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/organo-ms-results-and-evaluations.1134232/
Sincerely Lasse

 

[Dan_P]

Thank you.

I will add your results to the database and reply to you here with the analysis. I’m currently trying to meet many commitments and this might take a few days. Your system might have won the prize for least amino acids, but we will let the numbers do the talking.

Oceamo has found many chemicals in my system too. I think it is a testament to the sensitivity of the analytical method (this is Star Wars or Star Trek technology), maybe nothing to worry about. Christoph’s commentary at the end of the analysis puts things in perspective.

I would definitely be interested in adding future test results.

Dan

Edit: Just did a quick look at the amino acid data. The total amount is not that unusual. Which amino acid concentrations are high and which are low is where we can see some differences, although the meaning is unknown.