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ICP Water Analysis Tool
ICP Water Analysis Tool — Interpret Your Reef Tank Test Results
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. But the raw numbers mean nothing without context. 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. Use after every ICP test to turn lab data into a clear maintenance plan.
How to Use This Tool
1
Receive your ICP results from the lab (ATI, Triton, ICP-OES service, etc.). They usually come as a PDF or spreadsheet.
2
Enter each measured value into the corresponding field. Parameters turn green when in range, red when low, orange when high.
3
You don't have to fill every field — enter only the parameters your lab tested. Leave others blank.
4
Click Generate Full Analysis Report to see a consolidated list of every out-of-range parameter with specific recommendations.
5
For elements that are low, use the individual element calculators (Calcium, Magnesium, KH, Potassium) to find exact dosing amounts.
Correcting trace element deficiencies?
We carry Brightwell Aquatics and Two Little Fishies trace element supplements — shipped with your coral order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ICP testing for reef aquariums?
ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) is a laboratory technique that measures element concentrations with parts-per-billion precision. A water sample is sent to a lab, nebulized into plasma, and the light spectrum emitted by each element is measured. For reef aquariums, ICP-OES (optical emission spectrometry) or ICP-MS (mass spectrometry) tests typically measure 30–60 elements including all major, minor, and trace elements, plus common pollutants. Results arrive in 1–2 weeks.
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 (bleaching, RTN, mysterious coral decline). ICP is not a substitute for weekly alkalinity and calcium testing — it supplements them by catching trace element drifts and pollutant contamination.
Which ICP service should I use?
ATI ICP-OES (Germany) and Triton ICP-OES are the most widely used and trusted by the reef community. ICP-Analysis.com and various local university extension services also offer testing. All major services measure the same core elements; differences are in speed, price, and whether results come with expert interpretation.
What are the most common ICP findings in reef tanks?
The most common abnormal results are: (1) Elevated phosphate and silicate from tap water or food; (2) Low potassium in ULNS systems; (3) Depleted trace elements (iodine, vanadium) in lightly stocked systems; (4) Elevated copper from new plumbing or certain foods; (5) Low magnesium in tanks with high evaporation and RODI-only top-off.
My ICP shows copper — is that dangerous?
Copper above 0.45 µg/L is a concern for reef tanks — it can inhibit zooxanthellae function in corals and is toxic to invertebrates at higher concentrations. Common sources: new copper pipes, certain fish foods, brass fittings, vinegar cleaning. The fix is identifying the source and performing water changes with clean RODI/NSW. Carbon and CupriSorb can help remove dissolved copper.
