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ICP-OES

Aquaforest / ICP-OES

QUALITY CERTIFICATE NOW ONLINE!

Aquaforest products are manufactured in the EU under strict laboratory supervision to meet the highest quality standards. Each product is prepared from carefully selected raw components in quantities that are proven to yield consistent composition. During the manufacturing process, our entire salt range is tested in batches with ICP-OES technology. You can find test results that have been processed since May 2017 online.

HOW IS OUR MARINE SALT PRODUCT RANGE TESTED?

We mix our salt in batches of 600 kg (1323 lbs), and 3 separate samples per batch are collected during the production stage for testing. Each of these samples is dissolved in 15 litres (4US gal) of RO water. The ICP-OES analysis is performed by our experienced team of professionals to verify that the chemical composition is within a consistent range and to rule out the presence of unwanted contaminants. Note: Even though our salt is mixed thoroughly, not every bucket/box will be the same. TBetween containers, the parameters may vary slightly, and around a 2-3% variation is acceptable.Both the physical properties of the mix and the limitations of the processing techniques available contribute to this fluctuation. These variations are still smaller than the usual margin of error for popular hobbyist test kits.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE BATCH NUMBER OF MY AQUAFOREST SALT?

Batch number can be found in 3 different locations:

  1. On the outside of the bucket or cardboard box.
  2. Inside the packaging (e.g. on the inside of the bucket lid or cardboard box).
  3. On the lip of the bucket lid.

SOMETIMES MY HOME TESTS SHOW DIFFERENT PARAMETERS TO THOSE STATED ON THE LABEL. WHY?

There are no hobbyist test kits available on the market that are able to measure small discrepancies with 100% accuracy. Because variations in parameter values are typically still smaller than the acceptable error of the test kits available, there is little chance of a negative impact on aquarium life.

HOW TO PREPARE SALT FOR TESTING?

We recommend to prepare at least 15 litres (4 US gal) of saltwater. Mix your RO water with 585g (20.63 oz) of salt, and perform the test at least 2 hours after fully dissolved. Always check the salinity in which the test was made, as this will influence the measured parameters. A salinity refractometer is recommended, together with a calibration fluid. *Note that salinity readings also depend on the temperature. Please check your salinity at 20°C (68°F).

If you detect a small difference in parameters between your tank and the salt, the impact is also minor. For example if you make the typical recommended 10% water change, the change in parameters of your tank will only be 10% of the difference. If the Calcium level in your aquarium is 430ppm and the water change water is 450ppm, the difference is 20ppm. But as you are actually only changing 10% of aquarium volume, 10% of that 20ppm is only 2ppm. Changing water this way, with that discrepancy, would only result in a difference of 2ppm of Calcium. That’s 0.5%. E.g. Tank Ca = 430 ppm. New salt water Ca=450 ppm. The difference: 450-430 =20 ppm. Estimated impact: 10% *20 =2. Tank Ca after change will be 432ppm.

Check parameters of your salt here: