ICP test results

[Jon]

I sent my first batch of water in to ICP for testing and everything came back great except for Chromium.

When I look at what maybe causing this, ICP says it’s rusty probably clamps or screws.

My only thought is that it’s my refugium light. This light is a bit rusty but sits above my sump. Could the rust slightly fall off of it into the sump?

If it’s not the light how else do you try and find what’s the issue? If there is a screw or something in my sump I will most likely never find it in my refugium. That thing is packed tight with live rock, sand and dead coral skeletons.

I’m probably going to replace my refugium light. If I do this and throw the old one out will the chromium levels naturally decline with biweekly water changes?

Any advice is much appreciated.
Thanks

 

[MadReefer]

Read this.
Chromium can enter a reef tank primarily through contaminated salt mixes, cement-based decorations or adhesives, plastic components in the system, metal parts in pumps or RO systems, and even some trace element solutions, leading to elevated levels if not managed properly; essentially, any material that may leach chromium into the water can be a source in a reef tank.
Key points about chromium in reef tanks:
Salt mix contamination:
The most common source of excess chromium in a reef tank is a poorly manufactured or contaminated salt mix.
Decorations and adhesives:
Cement-based decorations or adhesives used in the aquarium can leach chromium into the water.
Plastic components:
Some plastic parts in the system, like tubing or pump components, can also contribute to chromium levels.
Metal components:
Corrosion from metal parts like pump impellers or RO system components can release chromium into the water.
Trace element solutions:
Improperly formulated or overdosed trace element supplements can introduce excess chromium.
Important considerations:
Testing is key:
Regularly testing your reef tank water for chromium levels is essential to ensure they are within safe parameters.
Water changes:
Performing regular water changes with high-quality salt mix can help manage chromium levels.
Source identification:
If elevated chromium is detected, investigate potential sources like decorations, adhesives, or equipment and replace them if necessary.
Chromium - Fauna Marin
In nature, chromium is enriched by some corals in the skeleton. ... Chromium is found in reef aquariums as chromate and gets into ...

Fauna Marin

 

[Jon]

I think I found the problem… it’s my mag 9.5 return pump. Attached are pictures. I know the clarity sucks but the reddish brown stuff that you see is rust!!!

 

[redfishbluefish]

Makes sense....stainless steel is predominately iron, carbon and chromium. I too had a MAG 9.5 with two screws totally rusted out to the point that I named it old-four-screws.



I've got to believe they use a low quality stainless, with interestingly less chromium. It's the chromium content that keeps stainless steel from rusting. I replaced all six screws with new stainless and that solved my rusting problem.

 

[Jon]

Thanks for the tip. I have a new mag 9.5 coming in tomorrow and I will replace the screws with some upgraded ones before I hook her up.

Makes sense....stainless steel is predominately iron, carbon and chromium. I too had a MAG 9.5 with two screws totally rusted out to the point that I named it old-four-screws.

View attachment 56767

I've got to believe they use a low quality stainless, with interestingly less chromium. It's the chromium content that keeps stainless steel from rusting. I replaced all six screws with new stainless and that solved my rusting problem.