ATI ICP-OES Basic Analysis for your saltwater aquarium
Correctly balanced, natural-like water values are the foundation for a thriving saltwater aquarium. When water composition is off, it can lead to issues such as algae growth or coral deterioration. However, accurately measuring water values is often challenging.
The high-precision analyses offered by ATI Laboratory provide you with the ability to measure essential water parameters (such as calcium, magnesium, salinity, etc.) more precisely and reliably than standard droplet tests allow. Additionally, you receive a comprehensive overview of numerous other crucial elements that can only be accurately measured through professional laboratory analysis.
ATI Laboratory uses a range of specialized equipment, including ICP-OES, ICP-MS, ion chromatographs, and titrators. The most suitable measurement method is chosen for each element to ensure accuracy.
Under the leadership of Dr. Ben Funk, ATI Laboratory brings years of analytical expertise. We guarantee reliable, reproducible results and offer support for any questions regarding your analysis.
Your water analysis is in trusted hands with ATI.
ATI’s Three Types of Water Analysis
ATI provides three distinct water analysis options with varied measurement ranges: Standard, Pro, and Ultimate.
ATI ICP Laboratory Analysis Ultimate
The ATI Laboratory Analysis Ultimate combines ICP-OES and ICP-MS to deliver the highest accuracy in all areas, offering the most comprehensive analysis. This analysis includes:
- Increased accuracy and ultra-low detection limits: ICP-MS provides detection down to the ultraspure range for elements such as manganese, selenium, vanadium, and arsenic. Detection is element-specific, reaching up to 0.001 µg/l, compared to ICP-OES limits of 0.5 – 3.5 µg/l (depending on the element).
- Advanced pollutant detection: This analysis allows for early detection of pollutants, enabling you to take preventative actions against potential problems.
- Double-validated results: Many values are measured with both ICP-OES and ICP-MS for greater accuracy, reducing the risk of measurement errors.
- Extended element portfolio: Includes additional MS trace elements and pollutants, such as rubidium, neodymium, and zirconium.
- Tailored measurement methods: Each water parameter is measured using the most appropriate technique—quantity elements with ICP-OES, and trace and ultraspure elements with ICP-MS.
This precise analysis—from quantity to ultra-trace elements—achieves unmatched accuracy.
Comparison of ATI Laboratory Analysis Levels
Analysis Value | Standard (ICP-OES) Basic | Pro (ICP-OES, IC, Titration) | Ultimate-MS (ICP-MS, ICP-OES, IC, Titration) |
---|---|---|---|
Salinity | ✓ ICP-OES | ✓ ICP-OES | ✓ ICP-OES |
Quantity elements (without fluorine) | ✓ ICP-OES (high accuracy) | ✓ ICP-OES (high accuracy) | ✓ ICP-OES (high accuracy) |
OES trace elements | ✓ ICP-OES (average detection limits) | ✓ ICP-MS (extremely low detection limits) & ICP-OES | |
OES pollutants | ✓ ICP-OES (average detection limits) | ✓ ICP-OES (average detection limits) | ✓ ICP-MS (extremely low detection limits) & ICP-OES |
Phosphorus / phosphate | ✓ ICP-OES (high accuracy) | ✓ ICP-OES (high accuracy) | ✓ ICP-OES (high accuracy) |
Nitrate and fluorine | X | ✓ Ion chromatography | ✓ Ion chromatography |
KH | X | ✓ Titration | ✓ Titration |
Osmosis water analysis | X | ✓ ICP-OES (high accuracy) | ✓ ICP-OES (high accuracy) |
MS trace elements | X | X | ✓ ICP-MS (extremely low detection limits) |
MS pollutants | X | X | ✓ ICP-MS (extremely low detection limits) |
Ideal for | Cost-effective basic analysis | Comprehensive analysis with essential parameters | Full analysis including pollutants and ultraspure elements |
Elements Included in Analysis
The analysis covers the following elements (elements differ with selected ICP-variation):
- Salinity (PSU)
- KH (carbonate hardness / alkalinity)
- Nutrients: Nitrogen / nitrate, phosphorus / phosphate
- Quantity elements: Sodium, calcium, chloride, magnesium, sulfur, potassium, bromine, strontium, boron, fluorine
- OES trace elements: Barium, beryllium, iron, iodine, lithium, molybdenum, silver, silicon
- OES pollutants: Aluminum, antimony, bismuth, cadmium, lanthanum, thallium, titanium, tungsten
- MS trace elements*: Arsenic, chrome, cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel, rubidium, selenium, vanadium, zinc, tin
- MS pollutants*: Lead, neodymium, niobium, zirconium, indium, germanium, gallium, mercury, tellurium
* MS trace elements/pollutants are elements that can only be measured with ICP-MS in the physiologically active range.
How ATI Laboratory Analyses Work
- Register at lab.atiaquaristik.com, create an aquarium profile, and scan the QR code to activate the analysis.
- Fill your aquarium water into the provided sample tubes.
- Attach barcodes to the tubes and send them to the address on the accompanying card (shipping costs are not included to the LAB in Germany).
- We will confirm receipt of your sample via email.
- Once your sample has been analysed, you will receive an email with a link to the measurement results and detailed recommendations.