OP
OP
Answers in RED
1. you only sent 1 sample - and given the variability I've seen with ICP tests - I'm not sure you can trust the differences between brands. (I know - it would be prohibitively expensive to send multiple ICP tests) I've run over 40 ICP tests since last May. One result in the thousands is good enough to convince me there is tin leaching. The absolute number isn't important and it is highly unlikely the ICP test would be off by the order of thousands.
2. as you said - the lengths were different - which would mean that the 30 inch piece as compared to the 5 foot piece may leech a lot more. Also the diameters were different - its fine - they all have measurable tin - but - it just makes it hard to compare different ones I purposely mentioned that the tubing lengths were different as a way of admitting that direct comparisons between tubing types cannot be made precisely and in hopes that I wouldn't have to explain this.
My purpose was not to compare one tube to another. I didn't start off with the intention of publishing a scientific paper either. I just happened to have tubing of those lengths and wanted to rinse them so used them as they were for my "soak tests." Regardless of the length of tubing, when results come back in the thousands, that should be a significant indication that those items are leaching tin and should be avoided (at least by me).3. You used RODI - its not RODI in our tanks. I explained this in my "tin thread" but will repeat it here:
a) By not using saltwater I avoid the possibility of elevated tin coming from the salt, but more importantly,
b) RO/DI is very "reactive water" meaning that it draws compounds (fumes, smoke, metals, etc) more readily than water with TDS's (for lack of a better description)
(This is why I always advocate using glass aquariums to store RO/DI and for salt mixing tanks). My "soak tests" are performed for a relatively short time (especially when compared to the time tubing, pipes, etc are in our tank). Again, I'm not looking for absolute numbers, I just want to see if the items have tin and want to be more sure that I will "draw" them out (which I will be if I use RO/DI). Better than missing them. True, saltwater will probably be slower at drawing out the tin than RO/DI but eventually it will draw it out. Again, tubing installed in our aquarium systems is exposed for a LONG time while these "soak tests" are very brief. (And yes there is RO/DI in our tanks!.....mixed with salt). 4. I wonder if you put the tubing in water for a week - then rechecked the test - with fresh water - if the tin levels would be significantly lower (i.e. - I would think that the same levels of tin would not be leeching out week after week) - but in any case it would be interesting to think about. Not quite sure I understand this... sorry. But, I'm sure the levels would vary if tests were repeated, but if they are 1000 or 3000, it doesn't matter. That item is leaching dangerous levels of tin!
5. I've heard the same theory about PVC leeching tin. (and also that over time this stops) I discussed my thoughts on it "stopping" above. In summary, I'm not so sure it "stops" any time soon! (see explanation in post #16)
6. Hopefully you will measure the new Tygon tubing that you got to see if it has the same amount as the one you tested. My plan is to wait and see if my MT continues to show elevated tin. If it doesn't, like I am hoping and expecting, then there is no need to test it. I suppose this can be considered an indirect way of showing that the Tygon is not leaching tin, although not perfect. Again, my goal is to just solve my tin problem. I'll be glad when I can put all this testing behind me!
I didn't really expect my methods would be so scrutinized but I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Everyone can take what they want from my findings, and I hope not many reefers will have to go thru what I did with a tin problem. I hope my posts may be of help to others.....or at least something to consider.
I've been very frustrated with this past year with this tin issue and feel like I've been "jinxed" with my system so I just ordered a new tank which is coming next month (Innovative Marine. EXT 100-White). Yesterday I received 60 more pounds of KP rock and a Trigger sump with roller mat but the roller assembly was broken in 2 places! I just hope this is not a bad omen!
Does anybody know Trigger's phone number? They haven't responded to my email and Premium Aquatics doesn't have their number either. That's scary....a company that doesn't make their number readily available. Wish I knew that before I ordered!
