water chemistry

ICP-MS

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Definition

ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) is a lab-grade water testing method that measures 30+ elements at parts-per-billion precision. The reef-keeping standard for diagnosing trace-element imbalances that home test kits cannot detect.

Practical use in aquariums

Sample 50 mL of tank water, ship to ATI, Triton, or Fauna Marin (USA: Reef Moonshiners). Results show Ca, Mg, Sr, Ba, K, I, F, B, Li, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Mo, Co, Cr, Pb, Hg, As at exact ppb. Use to fine-tune trace dosing - especially when SPS coloration stalls despite stable Ca/Alk/Mg.

How ICP-MS fits the bigger picture

Understanding ICP-MS matters because it's connected to broader husbandry decisions: water chemistry is the foundation of every other aquarium parameter - chemistry mistakes show up months later as livestock loss.

Browse the Fast Aquatics care library for full husbandry tutorials covering ICP-MS in context.