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ICP Water Analysis Tool

Reef Exclusive > Calculators > ICP Analysis

ICP Water Analysis Tool

ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) testing is the gold standard for comprehensive reef aquarium water analysis. It measures 30+ elements simultaneously with parts-per-billion accuracy. This tool lets you enter your ICP results and instantly see which parameters are low, high, or optimal compared to natural seawater reference values. Every element gets a live status indicator, and the full report provides actionable recommendations for each parameter that needs attention.

ICP Analysis Water Chemistry Trace Elements Reef Maintenance

ICP Water Parameter Analysis Tool

Enter your ICP lab results below. Each parameter shows a live status as you type.

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Major Elements (mg/L)
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Trace Elements (ug/L)
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Pollutants (ug/L) - should all be undetectable
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Water Quality Analysis

How to Use This Tool

1
Receive your ICP results from the lab. They usually come as a PDF, web report, or spreadsheet.
2
Enter each measured value into the corresponding field. Parameters turn green when in range, red when low, and orange when high.
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You do not have to fill every field. Enter only the parameters your lab tested and leave the rest blank.
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Click Generate Full Analysis Report to see a consolidated list of out-of-range parameters with specific recommendations.
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For elements that are low, use the individual element calculators such as Calcium, Magnesium, KH, and Potassium to find exact dosing amounts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is ICP testing for reef aquariums?

ICP is a laboratory technique that measures element concentrations with parts-per-billion precision. For reef aquariums, ICP-OES or ICP-MS tests typically measure major, minor, and trace elements plus common pollutants.

How often should I do an ICP test?

Most reef keepers do ICP testing every 3-6 months for established tanks, and monthly for new tanks or after problems such as bleaching, RTN, or mysterious coral decline.

Which ICP service should I use?

ATI ICP-OES and Triton ICP-OES are widely used by the reef community. Other services can also work well if they provide clear units, reference ranges, and consistent repeatability.

What are the most common ICP findings in reef tanks?

Common abnormal results include low potassium in ultra-low-nutrient systems, depleted iodine, low magnesium, elevated silicate, and trace copper or zinc from equipment, plumbing, or contaminated additives.

My ICP shows copper. Is that dangerous?

Copper above trace background levels is a concern for reef tanks. Identify the source, stop contamination, perform water changes, and consider chemical media designed to bind copper.

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