Advanced reef ICP analysis for diagnosis, optimization, and stabilization
The ICP MAX analysis is aimed at those who want a broader view than “the essentials”. It covers of course the major elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na…), essential nutrients and trace elements, but goes further with an expanded spectrum allowing the identification of more subtle causes: additional trace parameters, contamination markers and elements that accumulate over time.
This is the ideal analysis when you're looking to diagnose a persistent problem (algae, dull corals, slowed growth), optimize an already well-established tank, or ensure the safety of a "rich" supplementation method (Balling, hybrid methods, regular additive additions). In a single shipment, you receive a detailed and actionable snapshot, allowing for precise corrections without guesswork.
How does ICP MAX analysis work step by step?
An ICP MAX analysis performed with Spectrogreen ICP-OES technology
ICP MAX analysis is performed using a Spectrogreen ICP-OES spectrometer , a high-precision instrument used in many professional laboratories. This inductively coupled plasma optical emission technology allows for highly accurate measurement of elements dissolved in water, even at trace levels, with excellent reproducibility.
The sample is injected into a plasma heated to a very high temperature. Each element emits a specific light signature that the instrument analyzes precisely. This method allows for the simultaneous measurement of a wide spectrum of elements and provides a reliable, comprehensive, and reproducible reading of your reef water… while also accurately identifying contaminants and accumulations.
All Zoanthus Lab analyses are carried out in our laboratory based in Saint-Étienne , by qualified technicians specializing in reef aquariums, in order to guarantee consistent, precise and perfectly usable results.
What parameters are controlled with the ICP MAX?
The ICP MAX combines comprehensive reef analysis with preparation water monitoring. It measures over 45 parameters , including the essentials… and additional parameters that make all the difference when you want to understand a tank in depth.
The analysis includes, in particular:
- Base: Density, Relative Density, Salinity (PSU), Alkalinity pH 4.3, Carbonate Hardness (dKh)
- Major elements : Chloride (Cl), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Sulfur (S), Strontium (Sr), Boron (B), Bromine (Br)
- Nutrients : Phosphorus (P), Total Phosphates, Silicates, Ortho-Phosphate (PO4), Nitrates (NO3)
- Important trace elements : Fluorine (F), Barium (Ba), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Iodine (I), Lithium (Li), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Nickel (Ni), Selenium (Se), Silicon (Si), Vanadium (V), Zinc (Zn), Rubidium (Rb)
- Pollutants and undesirable elements : Aluminium (Al), Antimony (Sb), Silver (Ag), Arsenic (As), Beryllium (Be), Bismuth (Bi), Cadmium (Cd), Tin (Sn), Gallium (Ga), Lanthanum (La), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Tellurium (Te), Thallium (Tl), Titanium (Ti), Tungsten (W), Zirconium (Zr)
- Contamination indicators : heavy metals and abnormal drifts
- + Osmosis water testing : checking for any RO/DI residues/contaminants (useful before salt preparation)
This in-depth reading will help you to:
- Understanding color loss, slowed growth, or coral stress
- Detecting subtle metallic contamination (even at very low doses)
- Identify a slow buildup related to additives or the starting water
- Check the consistency of your supplementation and avoid chronic problems.
- Optimizing an “already stable” tank by correcting micro-imbalances
Comparison of the three Zoanthus Lab ICP analyses
| Analysis | Number of parameters | Specifics | Ideal for |
|---|
| ICP MARIN |
over 40 |
Major elements + essential trace elements |
Regular monitoring of a reef aquarium |
| ICP MAX |
+ over 45 + reverse osmosis water |
Extended spectrum: fluoride, nitrates, KH, RO water analysis |
Demanding aquarists and thorough diagnosis |
| ICP PURA |
Specifically for reverse osmosis water |
Contaminant control and RO/DI water quality |
Checking the preparation water before remineralization |
Usable results for precise dosing
Each Zoanthus Lab analysis is designed for immediate use. The data obtained can be integrated into the free Zoa Aqua Manager calculator , allowing for precise and personalized dosing based on the actual tank volume and measured deviations.
No more manual calculations or guesswork: you get clear recommendations to correct a deficiency, reduce an excess, or adjust your supplementation with a coherent logic. Monitoring becomes regular, measured, and above all, controlled.
ICP MAX: the analysis to complete the diagnosis
ICP MAX is the ideal formula when you want to take your analysis further: demanding tanks, rich supplementation methods, suspected contamination, or simply the desire to optimize an already stable reef. It offers a more precise reading, a broader spectrum, and adds useful RO water testing to secure the base.
In short: if you are looking for an analysis “without blind spots”, capable of helping you understand and correct complex situations, ICP MAX is the most complete of the three.
