Zinc & Nickel too high! Suspects?

[RussC]

Just got my most recent ATI water sample back and was surprised to see the elements Zinc and Nickel was very high. My first thought is a stray piece of metal. Any thoughts or ideas?

My heater looks and works well. No obvious pieces of metal in the sump. Plan to pan a magnet around to just see.

Would appreciate your input…

 

[FUNGI]

zinc is non-magnetic.....
I would check your pump(s), especially the impeller(s)

 

[RussC]

Would a failing magnet in an impeller be a suspect? My pumps are all dc. That would be the only “exposed” piece of material that’s not plastic.

 

[FUNGI]

That would be the only thing with metal in contact with water......skimmer pump and return pump (and your wavemaker)

 

[RussC]

As expected…this sounds like a ghost hunt! Wish me luck.

 

[FUNGI]

especially with that magnet....LOL....

 

[RussC]

Wishful thinking I’ve got a screw or some clamp laying in my sump

 

[FUNGI]

maybe....could be just as easy as that

 

[Science/G]

Trace element supplement??? My zinc was high when I regularly used Replenish

 

[RussC]

That’s possible. I use tropic Marin pro coral A and K for trace elements. Zinc and nickel are both in pro coral K. But I started those back in april and my June ATI test had non detectable amounts. Still, not off the table as a possible suspect.

 

[biecacka]

Funny…..my latest ICP came back high in zinc as well. I ran through the sump looking for fallen screws etc. As well as my MP 40’s.
So far nothing. ‍

Corey

 

[RussC]

And the plot thickens…

 

[Science/G]

That’s possible. I use tropic Marin pro coral A and K for trace elements. Zinc and nickel are both in pro coral K. But I started those back in april and my June ATI test had non detectable amounts. Still, not off the table as a possible suspect.

I stopped trace element supplements except for iodide.

 

[RussC]

Guys, am I crazy? Could it be this simple? I added an inexpensive 9w UV light in my new water reservoir in September. In my process of trying to locate a suspect, I came across this sticker on the outside of the light. It looks metallic. I would say it’s “made” to be in water. But nothing like this would ever really last. Have I found the problem?

 

[FUNGI]

Doubt it....foil stickers are primarily made from aluminum...but then, its China.....

 

[RussC]

I’m still on the hunt. 3 out of 4 power heads look in great shape. Heater looks in great shape. Maybe the inner magnet for one of my Nero pumps. Maybe a cracked housing on one of my return pumps. The hu t continues.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

What levels?

 

[RussC]

In June the readings were at 2.02. The November readings are 13.65 ug/l. It is shows “critically high”.

As a bandaid, I’ve started carbon and just completed a 15 gallon water change.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

In June the readings were at 2.02. The November readings are 13.65 ug/l. It is shows “critically high”.

As a bandaid, I’ve started carbon and just completed a 15 gallon water change.

Ignore the sky is falling statements like critically high or low. Be mindful whether anything actually seems wrong. Does it?

Don’t believe there is great info on what is toxic and what is not. There is not, and concentration is only part of the puzzle anyway. Chemical form matters a lot too.

I would not assume there’s a big problem, but looking for and removing any metal parts in or near the water is appropriate. A metal binder could also be used.

 

[RussC]

Things look great, honestly. Corals are very happy. Polyp extension, growth and color is strong.

I always appreciate the guidance. Solid point.