Aluminium in the aquarium
Metal contaminant that should not be present in aquarium water. Even in trace amounts it can damage corals and invertebrates.
Detailed explanation
Aluminium has no positive biological role in the aquarium. Its presence is always a sign of contamination.
The most common sources are: tap water (aluminium is used as a flocculant in treatment plants), aluminium-based antiphosphate resins (low-quality GFO), substrates containing aluminium, unsuitable metal decorations.
In natural sea water, aluminium is present at very low concentrations (below 1 ug/l). In reef aquariums concentrations above 20-30 ug/l can cause RTN (rapid tissue necrosis) in corals and mortality in invertebrates.
Aluminium-based antiphosphate resins (AlO) are effective at removing phosphates but can release aluminium into the water if used incorrectly. Iron (Fe) based GFO resins are generally preferable because they do not present this risk.
The only way to detect aluminium is ICP analysis. If the value is high the first action is a generous water change with osmosis water and quality salt. Then the source of contamination must be identified and removed.
The use of a good reverse osmosis system eliminates aluminium from the starting water. The DI (deionization) stage also removes the last traces.
Reference values by aquarium type
| Aquarium type | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Marine (reef) | 0 - 10 ug/lIdeal: under 5 ug/l. Above 30 ug/l is dangerous |
How it is measured
Only via ICP-OES analysis.
What happens when it is too high
RTN in corals. Mortality in shrimp and crabs. General stress in invertebrates. Identify and remove the source of contamination.
Coralia Lab monitors this parameter with AI diagnostics. Tank Score alerts you when a value moves outside the recommended range for your aquarium.
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