ICP-OES protocol

Laboratory analysis that measures dozens of elements in aquarium water with very high precision. The most complete diagnostic tool for the reef.

Detailed explanation

ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometry) is an analytical technique that uses an argon plasma at 6000-10000°C to excite the sample atoms. Each element emits light at specific wavelengths and the intensity of the light indicates concentration.

A standard aquarium ICP analysis measures 30-40 elements: all the major ones (calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, strontium) and dozens of trace elements and contaminants (barium, aluminium, nickel, lead, zinc, cadmium).

The laboratories most used by the reef community are Triton, ATI, Fauna Marin, ReefAnalytics. The cost varies from 25 to 50 euros per analysis. A water sample is collected in a sterile test tube provided by the laboratory, sent, and the results arrive via email in 3-7 days.

The ICP is irreplaceable for detecting contamination invisible to normal tests. A copper pipe in your home system can release enough copper to slowly kill corals. A heater with a defective coating can release nickel. Only the ICP detects these traces.

The recommended frequency is every 2-3 months for a fully operational reef aquarium. After a problem or a salt change, an extraordinary analysis can be carried out.

Coralia Lab integrates ICP results into the aquarium profile. AI analyzes the values, compares them to natural seawater ranges (NSW) and flags anomalies with practical suggestions on how to correct them.

Important: ICP does not measure KH, pH, nitrates and phosphates. However, these must be tested with traditional kits. ICP measures the total ions, not the specific chemical form.

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