ATI® ICP Laboratory Analyses
The foundation for every successful reef aquarium is correctly adjusted, near-natural water parameters. Deviating from this water composition is the most common cause of a variety of problems in the aquarium, such as algae growth or coral death.
At the same time, correctly measuring water parameters presents a major challenge. The highly precise, professional ATI® Laboratory Analyses offer you the advantage of determining key water parameters (e.g., calcium, magnesium, salinity, etc.) much more precisely and reliably than with standard hobby test kits. Furthermore, you receive a comprehensive overview of a multitude of other relevant elements that can only be determined with professional laboratory analysis.
For this purpose, the ATI® uses a variety of highly specialized professional laboratory equipment such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS, ion chromatographs, and titrators. The most suitable measurement method is used depending on the element.
The ATI® laboratory, headed by Dr. Ben Funk, draws on many years of experience in analytics. We guarantee reliable, reproducible analysis results and are always available to assist you with any questions you may have about the measurement results. Your water analysis is in the best hands with us.
At ATI®, you can choose from three types of Laboratory Analyses: Standard, Pro, and Ultimate MS.
ATI® Laboratory Analysis Ultimate MS
The ATI® Laboratory Analysis Ultimate MS includes all components of the Laboratory Analysis Pro, plus the detection of MS trace elements and MS pollutants down to the ultra-low measurement range. This makes the Ultimate MS our most comprehensive laboratory analysis, setting a new standard in accuracy and reliability across all areas. The following parameters ??are measured:
- Salinity
- Major elements: Sodium, calcium, chloride, magnesium, sulfur, potassium, bromine, strontium, boron
- OES trace elements: Arsenic, barium, beryllium, chromium, cobalt, iron, iodine, copper, lithium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, silver, silicon, vanadium, zinc, tin
- OES pollutants: Aluminum, antimony, bismuth, cadmium, lanthanum, thallium, titanium, tungsten, mercury
- MS trace elements: Arsenic, chromium, cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel, rubidium, selenium, vanadium, zinc, tin
- MS pollutants: Lead, neodymium, niobium, zirconium, indium, germanium, gallium, mercury, tellurium
- Phosphate/Phosphorus
- Nitrate and Fluorine
- Alkalinity (Carbonate Hardness)
- Analysis of reverse osmosis water
Advantages of the Laboratory Analysis Ultimate MS compared to the Laboratory Analysis Pro:
- Hybrid analysis with double validation: Many parameters ??are measured using both ICP-OES and ICP-MS and checked for plausibility. This allows measurement errors to be eliminated even more reliably.
- Measurement of MS trace elements: Trace elements such as manganese, selenium, or vanadium can be measured with greater accuracy and significantly lower detection limits down to the ultra-trace range. Element-specific detection down to 0.001 µg/L is possible. With ICP-MS, the detection limit is thus up to 10,000 times lower than with other ICP systems.
- Measurement of MS pollutants: Pollutants can also be detected earlier and more accurately with ICP-MS. This enables faster response to prevent problems.
- Measurement of additional elements: Compared to ICP-OES, Ultimate MS analysis can also measure completely new elements. These include rubidium, neodymium, or zirconium.
- The best of different worlds: The most suitable measurement method is used for each water parameter.
Comparison of the different ATI® Laboratory Analyses
|
Parameter
|
ATI® Laboratory Analysis Standard
ICP-OES
|
ATI® Laboratory Analysis Pro
ICP-OES, IC, Titration
|
ATI® Laboratory Analysis Ultimate MS
ICP-MS, ICP-OES, IC, Titration
|
|
Salinity
|
? ICP-OES
|
? ICP-OES
|
? ICP-OES
|
|
Major Elements
(without Fluorine)
|
? ICP-OES (high accuracy)
|
? ICP-OES (high accuracy)
|
? ICP-OES (high accuracy)
|
|
OES Trace Elements
|
? ICP-OES (medium detection limits)
|
? ICP-OES (medium detection limits)
|
?? Double Validation through ICP-OES & ICP-MS (extremely low detection limits down to the ultra-trace range)
|
|
OES Pollutants
|
? ICP-OES (medium detection limits)
|
? ICP-OES (medium detection limits)
|
?? Double Validation through ICP-OES & ICP-MS (extremely low detection limits down to the ultra-trace range)
|
|
Phosphate/ Phosphorus
|
? ICP-OES (high accuracy)
|
? ICP-OES (high accuracy)
|
? ICP-OES (high accuracy)
|
|
Nitrate and Fluorine
|
X
|
? Ion Chromatography
|
? Ion Chromatography
|
|
Alkalinity (Carbonate Hardness)
|
X
|
? Titration
|
? Titration
|
|
Analysis of RO Water
|
X
|
? ICP-OES (high accuracy)
|
? ICP-OES (high accuracy)
|
|
MS Trace Elements*
|
X
|
X
|
? ICP-MS (extremely low detection limits down to the ultra-trace range)
|
|
MS Pollutants*
|
X
|
X
|
? ICP-MS (extremely low detection limits down to the ultra-trace range)
|
|
Summary
|
Solid basic laboratory analysis for the price-conscious user
|
Comprehensive laboratory analysis with all important parameters
|
Comprehensive laboratory analysis including consideration of all pollutants and ultra-trace elements
|
The parameters ??from the table include the following:
- Salinity in PSU
- Alkalinity / Carbonate Hardness
- Nutrients: nitrogen/nitrate, phosphorus/phosphate
- Major 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, chromium, cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel, rubidium, selenium, vanadium, zinc, tin
- MS pollutants*: Lead, neodymium, niobium, zirconium, indium, germanium, gallium, mercury, tellurium
*MS trace elements and MS pollutants – elements that can only be measured with ICP-MS in very low but physiologically already effective concentrations
How to do an ATI® Laboratory Analysis:
- Register at lab.atiaquaristik.com, create an aquarium profile, and scan the QR code to activate the Laboratory Analysis.
- Fill the sample tube with aquarium water (and reverse osmosis water, if applicable).
- Apply the barcodes and send them to the specified return address.
- You will receive status updates and results via email.
