Where do you pull your water sample from?

[Tray21]

I have a question for everyone. Does it matter where you pull your water samples from?

In theory the display would be the ideal location to pull water from as it is physically closest to our inhabitants like fish, corals, and inverts. But are the values from testing different enough to warrant pulling from the display if the sump is easier to access?

 

[FUNGI]

I pull mine 4 " below water level on main display

 

[fishface NJ]

sump

 

[JGT]

Sump, as it comes out of the drains right before it goes into the filter socks.

 

[Tray21]

I pull mine 4 " below water level on main display

Is there a reason you pull from 4" below the water line? Versus say at the waterline or anywhere else in your display?

 

[magallonbuckinbulls]

Display and sump.

 

[Tray21]

sump

Is there a particular area in your sump you pull from? Also is it out of convenience or is there a method to your madness so to speak?

 

[FUNGI]

some (maybe only mine? LOL) tanks have surface oil (from hands going in ect)...dont want that to contaminate my sample....no other reason...I use a long-nose syringe.

 

[Tray21]

Display and sump.

Interesting, are you pulling samples at the same time or alternating between tests?

 

[FUNGI]

I only test phos and nitrate, so pull 20ml at once for both 10ml vials

 

[Tray21]

I only test phos and nitrate, so pull 20ml at once for both 10ml vials

Wow only phos and nitrate? How stocked is your tank? Do you submit samples for ICP testing at all to see other parameters?

 

[magallonbuckinbulls]

Interesting, are you pulling samples at the same time or alternating between tests?

When I pull, I do it at the same time. I like to compare. Sometimes you get CO build up in the cabinet. Air quality affects the water quality, especially in smaller systems.

 

[FUNGI]

Wow only phos and nitrate? How stocked is your tank? Do you submit samples for ICP testing at all to see other parameters?

I dont submit anything....I let my corals let me know....
The 120G tank (glass) is super dirty as I was away for 2 weeks....running 3 FX6 and HOB skimmer