ICP MS & OES Test

ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) water analysis is a highly precise method used to assess the elemental composition of aquarium water. By testing 43 key parameters, ICP analysis provides a comprehensive insight into water chemistry, detecting even trace levels of essential and harmful elements. This advanced testing helps aquarium enthusiasts and professionals maintain optimal water quality by identifying imbalances and offering corrective recommendations. With ICP analysis, you can ensure a healthier, more stable environment for marine life, preventing potential issues before they impact your aquarium’s ecosystem.

For aquarists seeking the most detailed analysis available, our brand new ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) Testing offers unparalleled precision. This service encompasses all the assessments provided in the Advanced ICP Testing, with the addition of ICP-MS technology for trace and ultra-trace element detection. While ICP-OES is highly effective for measuring macro elements present in higher concentrations, ICP-MS excels in detecting trace and ultra-trace elements at parts-per-trillion (ppt) levels. This dual approach ensures comprehensive coverage of both macro and trace elements, delivering the most accurate and reliable analysis possible.

By integrating multiple analytical techniques—including ICP-OES, ICP-MS, Ion Chromatography, Robotic Titration, Colorimetry, and Conductometry—our ICP-MS Testing provides reef keepers with a complete and detailed understanding of their aquarium's water chemistry. This comprehensive insight enables proactive management and maintenance of optimal conditions for all marine inhabitants.

Available Tests

1 x MS & OES ICP Test

3 x MS & OES ICP test

1 x FREE RO/DI Test

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The MS & OES ICP tests 64 elements + 13 other parameters measured and reported

64 ELEMENTS UP TO A RESOLUTION OF PARTS PER TRILLION:
Aluminium (Al), Antimony (Sb), Arsenic (As), Barium (Ba), Beryllium (Be), Bismuth (Bi), Boron (B), Bromine (Br), Cadmium (Cd), Calcium (Ca), Cerium (Ce), Chloride (Cl), Chromium, (Cr), Cobalt (Co),  Copper (Cu), Dysprosium (Dy), Erbium (Er), Europium (Eu), Fluoride (F), Gallium (Ga), Gadolinium (Gd), Germanium (Ge), Holmium (Ho), Iodine (I), Indium, Iron (Fe), Lanthanum (La), Lead (Pb), Lithium (Li), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Mercury (Hg), Molybdenum (Mo), Neodymium (Nd), Nickel (Ni), Niobium (Nb), Nitrate (NO3), Nitrite (NO2), Phosphorous (P), Potassium (K), Praseodymium (Pr), Rubidium (Rb), Samarium (Sm), Selenium (Se), Silicon (Si), Silver (Ag), Sodium (Na), Strontium (Sr), Sulphur (S), Sulphate (SO4), Terbium (Tb), Tellurium (Te), Thallium (Tl), Thorium (Th), Thulium (Tm), Tin (Sn), Titanium (Ti), Tungsten (W), Uranium (U), Vanadium (V), Yttriu (Y), Ytterbium (Yb), Zirconium (Zr), Zin (Zn)

13 ADDITIONAL PARAMETERS
Salinity, Specific Gravity, Conductivity, pH, Alkalinity, Calcium Carbonate Equivalent, Acid Binding Capacity, Nitrite, Nitrate, Orthophosphate, Total Phosphate, Colour, Smell

How it works

The process of receiving your ICP analysis is very simple.

  1. Buy one of the ICP Analysis Kits from your retailer.
  2. Go to the reef-zlements.com website.
  3. Register an account.
  4. Add your name, aquarium and barcode number from the kit.
  5. Stick the barcode labels on the 2 vials.
  6. Fill both vials with water from your aquarium.
  7. Put the vials back in the padded envelope and post to the address on the website.
  8. An email receipt will be sent to notify when the sample has arrived.
  9. The water will be tested the same day.
  10. A notification email will be sent to advise that the test is complete.
  11. Go online and view the results in the format that is shown on the sections below.

Full detailed instructions are given on the Reef-Zlements.com website.

Macro Elements Report

Trace Elements Report

Nutrients & Pollutants Report

Advice & Dosing Volumes Report

The ICP Range

Reef Zlements ICP Offering
Feature Standard ICP2 Advanced ICP Advanced + RO Advanced Triple + Free RO ICP MS/OES ICP MS/OES Triple + Free RO
Detection Technology ICP-OES ICP-OES + IC + Titration + Conductivity Same as Advanced Same as Advanced ICP-MS + Advanced Same as ICP-MS/OES
Element Coverage 40+ Standard + Fluorine + Extra Parameters Same as Advanced Same as Advanced 64 Elements Same as ICP-MS/OES
Trace/Ultra-trace Detection ppb ppb ppb ppb ppt, i.e. 1000x lower detection limit than Standard & Advanced ppt, i.e. 1000x lower detection limit than Standard & Advanced
Extra Parameters Salinity pH, Alkalinity, NO2, NO3, PO4 -3, SG,
Conductivity, Colour, Smell		 Same as Advanced Same as Advanced All Advanced + Rubidium +
extra Rare Earth Elements like Neodymium 		 Same as ICP-MS/OES
RODI Water No No Yes - 40+ parameters Yes - 40+ parameters No Yes - 40+ parameters
Turnaround 24H from reception* 24H from reception* 24H from reception* 24H from reception* 24H from reception* 24H from reception*
Who it's for Beginner to intermediate reef keepers who want a cost-effective, reliable snapshot of key macro and trace elements. Reefers who want more than
just elemental data
including key nutrient and
stability indicators.		 Reefers who also want to test their RODI water, especially in areas with variable tap quality or for diagnosing source-related issues. Serious reefers managing
 multiple tanks or long-term monitoring		 Hardcore reefers, SPS keepers,
or aquarists chasing perfect colouration and ultra-precise stability.		 Veterans, professional aquarists,
or boutique LFS needing premium-grade analytics at scale
Why choose it
Solid starting point for elemental diagnostics.

Detects 40+ key elements down to parts per billion (ppb).

Ideal for routine monthly checks.
Ensures no major deficiencies or toxic buildups.
Adds Nitrate, Nitrite, Orthophosphate for nutrient control.

Includes pH, Alkalinity, Conductivity, SG, Colour & Smell via titration and IC.

Provides a holistic water health picture, not just element levels.
Full Advanced ICP for tank + RODI water analysis.

Detects contaminants in makeup water (40+ elements).

Validates filtration system efficiency.
Bulk purchase value with
Free RO test included.

Useful for consistent monthly monitoring or side-by-side tank comparisons.

Saves time and money while keeping quality checks frequent.
Combines ICP-MS (ppt detection) with ICP-OES and Advanced testing.

Tests 64 elements + 13 advanced water parameters.

Detects ultra-trace imbalances that basic ICP tests miss.

Actionable insights for fine-tuning trace dosing.
Full-featured elite testing + RODI water quality validation.

Bulk savings on the most comprehensive service.

Trusted tool for preventive maintenance, deep diagnostics, and trace element dialing.

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