Vanadium in aquarium
Trace element present in sea water in traces. Limited but monitored biological role in ICP analyzes as a quality indicator.
Detailed explanation
Vanadium is present in natural seawater at approximately 1.5-2.5 ug/l. Some species of tunicates (ascidians) concentrate vanadium in the blood in enormous quantities compared to the surrounding water, but this phenomenon has little practical impact on aquariums.
In the aquarium, vanadium is never dosed separately. Synthetic salts and water changes provide sufficient quantities.
An abnormal value in the ICP analysis may indicate contamination (from industrial sources in tap water) or poor quality synthetic salt.
There is no scientific documentation on the effects of excess or deficiency of vanadium on aquarium organisms in the concentrations typically found.
For the vast majority of aquarists, vanadium is a parameter to be controlled in the ICP but which never requires specific interventions.
Reference values by aquarium type
| Aquarium type | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Marine (reef) | 1 - 3 ug/lNSW: approximately 2 ug/l |
How it is measured
Only via ICP-OES analysis.
What happens when it is too low
No documented effects in aquariums.
What happens when it is too high
Possible indicator of contamination. Check osmosis water.
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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