Nickel in the aquarium
Contaminating heavy metal. Even in small quantities it can damage corals. Its presence almost always indicates a problem to be solved.
Detailed explanation
Nickel is present in natural sea water at very low concentrations (approximately 0.5-2 ug/l). In the aquarium, any concentration significantly higher than the natural range is an alarm signal.
The most common sources of contamination are: heaters with damaged coating (the internal resistance often contains nickel-based alloys), metal equipment not suitable for aquariums, metal pipes and fittings, coins accidentally dropped into the aquarium.
The symptoms of nickel contamination are generic: corals that do not expand, slowed growth, inexplicable mortality of sensitive invertebrates. Without ICP analysis it is impossible to distinguish it from other contaminations.
Removal is achieved with generous water changes and heavy metal adsorbent resins (PolyFilter, Cuprisorb). The PolyFilter has the useful feature of changing colour based on the adsorbed metal.
Prevention is simple: only use equipment certified for aquarium use, replace old heaters, do not use metal tools in the maintenance of the aquarium.
Titanium heaters eliminate the risk because titanium is bioinert and does not release ions.
Reference values by aquarium type
| Aquarium type | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Marine (reef) | 0 - 3 ug/lNSW: approximately 0.5 ug/l. Ideal: below 2 ug/l |
How it is measured
Only via ICP-OES analysis.
What happens when it is too high
Stress in corals. Invertebrate mortality. Look for and remove the metallic source (heaters, fittings).
Coralia Lab monitors this parameter with AI diagnostics. Tank Score alerts you when a value moves outside the recommended range for your aquarium.
Try ICP analysis with AI for free