Tin (Sn) in aquariums
Contaminating heavy metal. It should not be present in the aquarium water. Toxic for corals and invertebrates.
Detailed explanation
Pond is a contaminant that has no biological role in the aquarium. Its presence always indicates a source of pollution.
The most common sources are: tin solders on DIY metal equipment, tinned copper pipes in old plumbing fixtures, some canned foods (if the contents are poured into the aquarium as improvised food).
In natural sea water, ponds are practically absent. In the aquarium, any concentration detectable by ICP should be considered anomalous and the source should be identified and removed.
Toxic effects include stress in corals, mortality in more sensitive invertebrates and slowing of growth. Symptoms are generic and similar to those of other metal contamination, making ICP the only reliable diagnostic tool.
Removal is achieved with generous water changes, activated carbon and resins specific for heavy metals (such as PolyFilter or Cuprisorb which, despite their name, also adsorb other metals).
Reference values by aquarium type
| Aquarium type | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Marine (reef) | 0 - 1 ug/lIdeal: Undetectable |
How it is measured
Only via ICP-OES analysis.
What happens when it is too high
Toxicity to invertebrates and corals. Remove the source of contamination immediately.
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