What analysers do you use to test my water sample?
For the analysis of your water samples, we use only the best analysers available on the market.
38 elements
The Arcos II from Spectro is used wherever the highest demands are placed on elemental analysis. With its high-resolution optics and high performance, the Arcos II clearly sets itself apart from its more frequently used little brothers, the Spectro blue and green. The Arcos II achieves significantly lower detection limits, can measure chloride and has unsurpassed accuracy. Reason enough for us to put three of these top devices into service for you.
Determination of nitrate and fluoride
If you are interested in ion chromatography, the 930 Compact IC Flex from Metrohm is a must. We only use these top-class ion chromatographs for the determination of fluoride and nitrate values. Checked several times a day, our three instruments enable us to achieve a 98% accuracy of the determined values.
Determination of the carbonate hardness
With the Robotic Titrator we have chosen another top instrument from Metrohm. We use it exclusively for determining the carbonate hardness of your aquarium water. Calibrated every day and checked several times, we achieve an accuracy of +/- 0.1 °dKH with this instrument.
How do I take the sample correctly?
When: It is best to take the water sample in the morning before the first feeding of the fish/corals.
Where: Take the water sample in a place with a lot of current.
How: Fill the tube as completely as possible.
Caution: Do not take the water sample during, or immediately after, the addition of osmosis water, KH, calcium, magnesium and trace element solutions!
Please: Dry the tube after taking the sample!
How do you determine the salinity?
From now on, we calculate the salinity from the concentrations of all major elements. Before 11 March 2021, however, the NaCl-based salinity (Salinity NaCl) was determined.
Correctly calibrated conductivity meters and refractometers should be able to give you a salinity value that is equal to the salinity we´ve determined (accuracy +/- 0,3 PSU).
Caution: Never calibrate your instruments with osmosis water, otherwise your instruments will show too high values (up to 3 PSU)! The best solution for calibration is a reference solution with a salinity of 35 PSU.
What is behind the calculated reference values?
The reference values of your water are dependent on its salinity. We explain exactly what this means here:
In the aquarium, the water values are not always set according to the natural composition of seawater. Too high and/or too low magnesium, sulfate, calcium and potassium values have a negative effect on the composition and salinity of your water. So that you can correct the composition of your water with the help of the analysis results, we calculate for you the reference values that fit to the corrected salinity.
Why does the PO4 value that I measure at home differ greatly from the analysis result?
The ICP-OES breaks down all phosphorus-containing compounds and determines the phosphorus value (the P in PO4) at the end. Phosphorus-containing compounds include PO4, polyphosphates, cyclic phosphates, as well as organically bound phosphorus (e.g. in DNA). From the phosphorus value, our software then calculates the theoretically possible PO4 (customer request).
All PO4 tests (including ours) measure only PO4. However, the PO4 test measures the pure PO4 and not the theoretically possible PO4. Since the ICP records all phosphorus sources and converts them into PO4, the theoretically possible PO4 values are usually higher than the pure PO4 values.
However, since the reef inhabitants can use more phosphorus sources than just PO4 for their metabolism, the data collected with the ICP are, in our opinion, more meaningful with regard to the actual nutrient situation.
The ICP shows very reliably whether you have too much or too little phosphorus in the aquarium. We currently consider 15 to 25 µg phosphorus/l as optimal values. This corresponds to a theoretically possible PO4 value of 0.05 to 0.075 mg/l (ppm).
The PO4 test indicates how much of the detected phosphorus is actually easily usable PO4. If you get a signal from the droplet test, you can tell whether there is enough or too much PO4 in the aquarium. So you can make a qualitative distinction with the test.
What does n.n., u.n. and u. mean in the analysis results/PDF?
We measure all elements listed in the analysis report (seawater). Although we use the most signal-sensitive ICP-OES instruments available on the market (Spectro Arcos II), we cannot detect elements with extremely low concentrations. If the element concentrations are below the so-called Lowest Limit Of Detection (LLOD), we write one of the following abbreviations = n.n., u.n. and u. in the analysis results (depending on the language).
Click here to learn more about the detection limits in our laboratory!
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What should I do if the barcode does not work?
Each barcode consists of 4 clusters containing 1 to 4 characters. When entering the barcode, the correct number of characters must always be entered in the appropriate input cluster. Otherwise, the reading grid will shift and the barcode will not be accepted.
If the barcode is still not accepted using this rule, please write the applicable aquarium ID number on all tubes. You can then send the sample to us as normal. In this case we will do the assignment for you.
Where can I find the “Add new Water Analysis“ button on my phone/tablet screen?
Turn the display to the horizontal position/ landscape format.
Has my water sample arrived yet?
As soon as your water sample has arrived at our laboratory, we will automatically notify you by e-mail. This email will not only confirm receipt of your sample, but also indicate the estimated processing time. Once the results are ready, you will be notified again by email.
Why can’t I create/save an aquarium
Only numbers may be entered in the Net Volume field. The numerical value shall correspond to the net volume in litres.
What do I need to know about osmosis water analysis?
Your osmosis water sample will be analysed in a specially adapted method. Therefore, please do not fill seawater into the osmosis water (RO water) tubes!
The ideal values in the osmosis water are all 0. The ideal values given in the analysis report (e.g. salinity 35 PSU) should be ignored.
The osmosis water analysis is less extensive than the seawater analysis, i.e. fewer elements are analysed (although they are listed in the results).
| We test for: | trace elements (except iodine), pollutants and phosphorus |
| We do not test for: | major elements, iodine und nitrate |
What do I need to enter in form CN22?
If you want to send your water samples from a non-EU country to our German address, you have to fill in the customs form CN 22 and stick it on the envelope. Use the following information to complete the form:
– Water samples from marine aquariums
– 4 pcs. plastic tubes for sample shipment
– Customs tariff number: 39233010000
– Value of goods 0,32 € (8 Cent per tube)