500,000+ Analyses. 18 Years of Reef Science.
Reef Aquarium FAQ Your Questions Answered
From your first ICP test to advanced reef chemistry — answered by our team of chemists and marine scientists. Browse by topic or search for your specific question.
TRITON's reef aquarium FAQ answers the most common questions about ICP-OES water testing, the TRITON Method, reef supplements, and coral care — based on 500,000+ water analyses and 18 years of reef science research.
New to TRITON? Start here.
Getting Started With TRITON
TRITON is a German / Australian reef science company that combines ICP-OES water testing with a complete supplementation system. Getting started requires three steps: order an ICP test kit, mail in a water sample, and receive personalised dosing recommendations for your reef aquarium based on 45 measured parameters.
TRITON Applied Reef Bioscience is a German / Australian family business founded in 2008 in Duesseldorf. We pioneered ICP-OES water testing for reef aquariums and developed many groundbreaking innovations for the reef-keeping industry — from laboratory analysis to personalised supplementation. Our research lab at the Great Barrier Reef provides reference values that no database can match. With 5 laboratories on 4 continents and over 500,000 water samples analysed, we help reefers worldwide understand and maintain their water chemistry with scientific precision.
The TRITON Method is a holistic reef care system that combines three components: (1) ICP-OES water testing that measures 41+ parameters at parts-per-billion precision, (2) personalised dosing recommendations based on your results and your reef's habitat type, and (3) a standardised biological filtration system built around a 3-chamber sump with an algae refugium. The system is designed so that all components work together — testing informs dosing, dosing maintains balance, and the refugium handles natural nutrient export. When followed completely, the TRITON Method eliminates the need for routine water changes.
Three steps: (1) Order an ICP test kit from your nearest TRITON dealer or our online shop. (2) Collect a water sample from your reef tank following the included instructions and mail it to our lab. (3) Receive your results with personalised recommendations within 1-3 days. From there, you'll know exactly what your reef needs — whether that's adjusting your dosing with Core7 Flex, addressing trace element imbalances, or investigating organic compounds with an N-DOC test. You don't need to adopt the full method on day one — even a single ICP test gives you more insight than months of home testing.
No, TRITON products and services work for all aquariums and setups — each product delivers a specific benefit and can be used independently or as part of a complete system. For example: ICP Testing only — order a test, receive results and recommendations, and apply them with any dosing system you prefer. Or use only trace elements or treatments to address specific issues. You can also use ICP + Core7 dosing — adopting TRITON's base elements for calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium while keeping your existing setup. For a fully integrated, high-end approach, combine products in a holistic system using the Full TRITON Method: a standardised sump with refugium, Core7 dosing, regular ICP monitoring, and optional MYTE subscription for personalised trace element supply. Each level adds greater precision, control, and automation. Most reef keepers begin with a single ICP test and expand their system step by step from there.
How the method works — and why.
The TRITON Method
The TRITON Method is a complete reef care system that eliminates regular water changes. It combines ICP-OES water analysis, Core7 Flex Base Elements dosing, and a macroalgae refugium for biological filtration. The standardised system keeps water parameters stable between tests, recommended every 2-3 months.
Yes. The TRITON Method is specifically designed for this, by addressing reef keeping problems holistically and unlocking true synergistic effects. Instead of diluting pollutants through frequent water changes, the method increases the effectiveness of the filtration system through dialled-in, scientific supplementation. It uses precise monitoring (ICP testing every 2–3 months) to track exactly what is depleted or accumulating, and applies targeted dosing to correct it directly. The biological filtration — specifically the algae refugium — handles natural nutrient export and coral nutrition support. Thousands of reefers have maintained thriving systems this way for years, with some running successfully for over a decade. The key is consistency: follow the method, test regularly, and dose according to your results.
The full TRITON Method requires a standardised 3-chamber sump with an algae refugium as the first chamber. The refugium is a core component — it exports nutrients naturally, stabilises pH, produces plankton that feeds corals, and supports biodiversity. It's what makes the "no water changes" promise possible. That said, TRITON's ICP testing and personalised recommendations benefit any reef setup. If you can't run a refugium, you can still use ICP-guided dosing — but you'll likely need water changes and alternative nutrient export methods. For the full method experience, the refugium is essential.
Most reefers report measurable improvements within 4-8 weeks. Your first ICP test establishes a baseline. After following the personalised recommendations for a few weeks, improvements in coral colour, polyp extension, and overall stability are typically noticeable. The system becomes more precise over time — each subsequent ICP test refines the recommendations as your tank's history builds. Allow 2-3 ICP cycles (approximately 4-6 months) for the full picture to emerge. Patience is part of the method — reef chemistry takes weeks to stabilise, not days.
The most common challenges are: (1) Not following the standardised sump design — the method works because the filtration is consistent and predictable. Using activated carbon (which removes DOC but also depletes iodine) or filter socks (which capture beneficial plankton) introduces trade-offs the system isn't designed for. (2) Refugium maintenance — the algae bed needs harvesting every 2-4 weeks, T5 lighting (not LED) for optimal algae growth spectrum, and temperatures below 32 degrees C. (3) Skipping ICP tests — the method relies on regular monitoring every 2-3 months. (4) Impatience — reef chemistry takes weeks to stabilise. These are learning curves, not system flaws. The method has been consistent since 2008.
Yes. 28% of TRITON users run nano reef tanks. The chemistry is identical regardless of tank size — only the dosing volumes change. In fact, nano reefs benefit especially from precise ICP monitoring, because smaller water volumes amplify parameter swings. A minor dosing error in a 500-litre tank barely registers; in a 50-litre nano, it can shift parameters significantly. The TRITON Method gives nano reefers the precision they need to keep those smaller systems stable.
Low pH in reef tanks is commonly caused by excess CO2 (from poor ventilation or insufficient gas exchange), low alkalinity, or organic acid buildup. The TRITON Method addresses pH stability through multiple mechanisms: the algae refugium consumes CO2 during its photoperiod (run on a reverse light cycle to your display), Core7 Flex dosing maintains alkalinity which buffers pH, and regular ICP testing monitors the parameters that influence pH stability. Rather than chasing a specific pH number, the TRITON approach ensures the underlying chemistry supports natural pH stability. Target range: 7.9-8.3.
It depends on your reef type, but for most SPS-dominant tanks, 12 dKH is above the recommended range. The TRITON Method targets 7-8 dKH for optimal coral growth and calcification. Higher alkalinity can stress sensitive corals and promote excessive calcification that appears as pale, brittle growth. However, context matters — some LPS and soft coral systems tolerate higher alkalinity. Your ICP results will show your current level along with the recommended range for your specific habitat type. If you're at 12 dKH, reduce gradually (no more than 0.5 dKH per day) to avoid shocking your corals.
"The TRITON Method works because it's based on data, not tradition. Every recommendation — from Core7 dosing to refugium design — is informed by 500,000 real-world water analyses. When a reefer asks 'why no water changes?', the answer is in the numbers."
Ehsan Dashti, CEO of TRITON Applied Reef Bioscience
Your water, analysed.
ICP-OES Water Testing
ICP-OES measures 45 water parameters at parts-per-billion precision. TRITON operates 5 laboratories on 4 continents, processing 500,000+ samples since 2008. A mail-in water sample generates personalised recommendations within days.
ICP stands for Inductively Coupled Plasma — a laboratory method that identifies and quantifies elements in your water. Unlike home test kits that measure 5-6 parameters with limited accuracy, a TRITON ICP-OES test measures 41+ parameters at parts-per-billion precision. You collect a small water sample, mail it to one of our 5 labs worldwide, and receive detailed results with personalised recommendations within 1-3 days. It's the difference between a basic health check and a comprehensive blood panel for your reef.
Both are laboratory methods for elemental analysis, but they work differently. ICP-OES (Optical Emission Spectroscopy) reads the light emitted by elements heated to plasma temperature — each element produces a unique light signature. ICP-MS (Mass Spectrometry) identifies elements by their atomic mass. ICP-MS offers higher sensitivity for certain ultra-trace elements, but is more susceptible to matrix interference in complex solutions like saltwater. TRITON uses ICP-OES because it provides the optimal balance of precision, reliability, and throughput for seawater analysis — validated across 500,000+ samples. Both technologies are laboratory-grade and far surpass any home test kit.
A TRITON ICP-OES test measures 41+ water parameters including: major elements (calcium, magnesium, strontium, potassium, boron), alkalinity, trace elements (iron, iodine, manganese, zinc, vanadium, molybdenum, cobalt, lithium, barium), and monitors for heavy metal contamination (copper, lead, tin, aluminium). Results include specific recommendations based on our database of 500,000+ analyses and calibrated to your reef's habitat type.
Every TRITON ICP test kit includes a sample vial and step-by-step instructions. Fill the vial with water from your reef tank (avoid collecting near the surface or return pump), seal it, and mail it to your nearest TRITON lab using the included prepaid shipping label (availability varies by region). Results are typically available within 1-3 business days after the lab receives your sample. You can track your sample and view results through your TRITON Lab account online.
For full TRITON Method users: every 2-3 months. This frequency allows enough time for dosing adjustments to take effect while catching trends before they become problems. Test more frequently when: (1) you're just starting with the method (first 2-3 tests closer together to establish a baseline), (2) you've made significant changes to your system (new livestock, equipment changes), or (3) you notice unexpected changes in coral health. For reefers using ICP testing alongside another method: at least every month for a comprehensive check beyond what your home test kits can show.
Your TRITON ICP results are displayed in an interactive dashboard on TRITON Lab. Each parameter shows: (1) your measured value, (2) the recommended range for your habitat type, and (3) a colour-coded indicator (green = in range, yellow = attention, red = action needed). Parameters outside the recommended range include specific guidance — what to dose, how much, and what might be causing the deviation. The dashboard also tracks your history over time, so you can see trends across multiple tests. If you're new to ICP testing, start with the parameters marked red — those need immediate attention.
Laboratory ICP testing is the most accurate water analysis available for reef aquariums — measuring elements at parts-per-billion precision, which is 1,000 times more precise than standard home test kits. Home kits (liquid reagent tests, dip strips) are useful for quick daily checks of 5-6 basic parameters, but they can't detect trace elements, heavy metal contamination, or organic compounds. A TRITON ICP-OES analysis covers 41+ parameters in a single test and compares your results against the largest reef water database in the world — over 500,000 analyses. For the most complete picture, combine ICP with an N-DOC test to also measure organic carbon.
What no other test reveals.
N-DOC Testing
N-DOC is TRITON's proprietary organic water analysis — the only test worldwide that measures TIC, TOC, and TNb in reef aquarium water. These three parameters reveal true alkalinity, organic carbon load, and total nitrogen — invisible to standard tests.
N-DOC is TRITON's exclusive organic carbon test — the only test in the world that measures dissolved organic compounds in reef aquarium water. While ICP testing analyses inorganic elements (minerals, metals, trace elements), N-DOC measures three key parameters: TIC (Total Inorganic Carbon — your true alkalinity), TOC (Total Organic Carbon — the organic load from fish waste, carbon and amino acid dosing, coral food, and bacterial activity), and TNb (Total Nitrogen Bound — all nitrogen species including ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate). These organic compounds silently shape reef health but are invisible to any other test on the market.
TIC (Total Inorganic Carbon) reveals your true alkalinity — standard hobby test kits typically read ±1 dKH. Natural seawater alkalinity is around 6.7 dKH, and below this threshold, calcium incorporation into coral skeletons can become limited. TOC (Total Organic Carbon) quantifies the organic load in your water — when levels exceed approximately 3.5 ppm, coral health can decline and unwanted bacterial growth may appear. TNb (Total Nitrogen Bound) measures all nitrogen species in your water — not just nitrate, but also ammonium, nitrite, amino acids, and proteins. Unlike nitrate alone, TNb remains stable during shipping and provides a complete picture of nitrogen dynamics. Together, these three values create a comprehensive view of your reef's organic chemistry that no conventional test can provide.
Order an N-DOC test when: (1) your ICP results look good but corals aren't thriving — the problem may be organic, not elemental; (2) you're experiencing persistent algae issues (cyano, dinos, hair algae) that don't respond to standard treatments; (3) you want the most complete picture of your water chemistry; or (4) as a baseline when starting the TRITON Method, to understand your reef's organic load. Many experienced reefers combine ICP and N-DOC testing every 2-3 months for full visibility. N-DOC is especially valuable for SPS-dominant tanks where subtle organic imbalances can cause colour loss and tissue recession.
One system. Everything your reef needs.
Products & Dosing
TRITON reef supplements are a research-developed dosing system. Core7 Flex supplies calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, and trace elements — available as 4-Part, 3-Part, or 2-Part dosing to fit any setup. MYTE provides personalised trace element blends based on monthly ICP-OES results.
Core7 Flex is TRITON's all-in-one base element platform — a flexible dosing system available in 4-Part, 3-Part, or 2-Part liquid format, plus concentrated Flex Powder (7x standard concentration). It supplies calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, and essential trace elements in a balanced, research-backed formula. Unlike simple two-part systems that only address calcium and alkalinity, Core7 Flex includes the trace elements that get depleted alongside the major elements. Core7 Flex comes in two formulations: Base Elements (designed for the full TRITON Method with refugium) and Reef Supplements (for alternative filter setups).
All three formats supply the same elements — calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, and trace elements — but with different trade-offs. 4-Part (recommended for most reefers): Four separate bottles allow you to adjust calcium and magnesium independently. Maximum long-term stability of trace elements. Initial dosing: 2ml per 100L of tank volume. 3-Part: Combines components 3a and 3b — no chemical difference in outcomes compared to 4-Part, purely a convenience choice. 2-Part (most convenient, with trade-offs): Two bottles are easier to manage, but calcium and magnesium cannot be adjusted separately. Lower long-term trace element stability. Initial dosing: 4ml per 100L. Start with 4-Part if you want maximum flexibility. Choose 3-Part for simplicity without trade-offs. Choose 2-Part only if convenient dosing is your priority.
TRITON Infusion provides all essential trace elements without any macro elements (calcium, alkalinity, or magnesium). It's designed for reef keepers who already have a reliable macro source — such as a calcium reactor, Balling method, or kalkwasser. Your macro system handles the big three, while Infusion fills the trace element gap — supporting the TRITON filtration approach and enhancing algae performance in the refugium to unlock the full benefits of the TRITON Method. Infusion is also included in Core7 Flex Base Elements (Component 1b), so if you're already using Base Elements, no additional Infusion is required.
After your ICP-OES results arrive, your TRITON Lab dashboard provides personalised dosing recommendations. Starting doses: 4-Part and 3-Part: 2 ml per 100 L of tank volume per day. 2-Part: 4 ml per 100 L per day. Target alkalinity: Build toward approximately 7 dKH — an optimal level for most reef systems, where corals calcify efficiently and trace element consumption remains predictable. Initial adjustment phase: Test your alkalinity (dKH) daily and adjust dosing accordingly: if alkalinity rises, reduce dosage by 10–20%; if alkalinity drops, increase dosage by 10–20%. Continue fine-tuning until alkalinity stabilises around 7 dKH. Once stable: Test every 3 days to monitor for any required adjustments. Ongoing monitoring: After the initial setup, re-test with ICP after 2–3 weeks to evaluate system response. Adjust dosing as needed, then move to ICP testing every 2–3 months once the system is stable.
Yes. Core7 Flex Powder is available for all dosing variants (4-Part, 3-Part, 2-Part) in a highly concentrated format — up to 7× more concentrated than standard Balling solutions. It's ideal for large systems with high consumption, limited storage space, regions with high liquid shipping costs, or reefers who prefer mixing their own solutions. The powder must be dissolved in RO/DI water before use. Your ICP-based dosing recommendations still apply.
"The Big Three" is the community term for calcium (Ca), alkalinity (dKH), and magnesium (Mg) — the three most critical parameters for coral growth and reef stability. Calcium provides the building blocks for coral skeletons. Alkalinity buffers pH and works with calcium to enable calcification. Magnesium stabilises the system by keeping calcium and alkalinity in balance — without sufficient magnesium, they can precipitate out of solution. Recommended ranges: Ca: 420–480 ppm, Alk: 7.0–9.0 dKH, Mg: 1,320–1,370 ppm. The TRITON Method monitors all three — along with 38 additional parameters — through ICP testing, and maintains them with Core7 dosing.
Two-part dosing is a manual system where you add two separate solutions — one for calcium, one for alkalinity — to maintain those two parameters. It works well but requires frequent home testing and manual adjustment, and it doesn't address trace elements or magnesium (which needs a third solution). Core7 takes a different approach: it's an all-in-one system that delivers calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, and trace elements in a single balanced formula. Dosing is guided by ICP lab results rather than home test kit readings. The result: broader coverage, less manual testing, and dosing precision informed by laboratory data rather than hobby-grade measurements.
MYTE (Master Your Trace Elements) is a subscription service that converts your ICP test results into two personalised supplement bottles — one for macro elements, one for trace elements. Each bottle is custom-blended from 15 individually dosed elements, calibrated to your specific reef's needs. When you submit a new ICP test, your MYTE formula is automatically updated. It eliminates the complexity of dosing individual trace element supplements and ensures your reef receives exactly what it needs — no more, no less. MYTE is available through participating TRITON dealers. Discover MYTE.
Elevated nitrates typically stem from overfeeding, insufficient biological filtration, or accumulated organic waste. Most conventional advice is to do more water changes — treating the symptom, not the cause. The TRITON Method takes a systematic approach: an ICP test quantifies the severity, an N-DOC test reveals the organic compounds driving the nitrogen cycle, and targeted adjustments address the root cause. The algae refugium provides natural nutrient export. TRITON's Organics product line (Bio Base, NH Alpha) supports biological nitrogen processing. The goal isn't zero nitrate — corals need some — but stable, appropriate levels for your reef type.
Phosphates accumulate from food, source water, and organic decay. Rather than chasing the number with reactive dosing or chemical removal media, the TRITON Method identifies the source through comprehensive testing (ICP + N-DOC) and addresses it at the origin. AL99 or Granular ferric oxide (GFO) in the sump's second chamber provides active phosphate removal. Regular refugium harvesting exports nutrients. And TRITON's ICP testing tracks phosphate trends over time, so you can see whether your interventions are working. The target isn't zero — corals need 0.02-0.06 ppm phosphate for metabolic function.
Yes. Chaetomorpha (Chaeto) and other macroalgae in the refugium consume trace elements as they grow — this is normal and expected within the TRITON Method. The holistic approach accounts for this demand and addresses it with TRITON Infusion, which is designed to supply the specific elements required by macroalgae. Regular ICP testing and trace element supplementation are essential, as both the refugium and corals continuously consume elements that must be replenished. While Infusion primarily supports the refugium, MYTE is specifically designed for corals — it analyses your ICP results (reflecting total trace element depletion from macroalgae uptake, coral consumption, and other biological processes) and delivers a personalised supplement formula. The refugium and MYTE work as complementary parts of the same system.
Available worldwide.
Ordering & Shipping
TRITON products are available worldwide through authorised dealers and online retailers. ICP test kits can be ordered and mailed to the nearest of 5 laboratories. Results are typically available within days of sample receipt.
TRITON products are available through our global network of authorised dealers. Visit our dealer finder to locate a retailer near you. We also operate official TRITON shops in the USA, UK, and Germany. For wholesale inquiries (retailers, coral farms, public aquariums), contact our sales team through the dealer application on our website.
Yes. TRITON operates 5 laboratories on 4 continents and ships products globally through our authorised dealer network. ICP test kits include return shipping materials — you mail your sample to the nearest TRITON lab for fastest turnaround. Product availability and shipping options vary by region. Check our dealer finder for retailers in your country, or contact our team for regions not yet listed.
ICP test results are typically available within 1-3 business days after your sample reaches the lab. Product shipping times depend on your location and local dealer — most dealers offer standard and express shipping options. For ICP testing, mailing your sample to the nearest TRITON lab (rather than a distant one) ensures the fastest turnaround. Our 5 labs across 4 continents mean there's usually a lab on your continent.
Your results, always accessible.
TRITON LAB Account & App
The TRITON LAB portal at triton-lab provides access to all ICP-OES and N-DOC test results, personalised dosing recommendations, and historical water parameter tracking. Users can register test kits, compare results over time, and manage MYTE subscriptions.
Visit triton-lab and register with your email address. Once registered, you can link your ICP test kits to your account using the code on each test kit. This connects your sample to your profile, so results appear automatically in your dashboard. Your TRITON Lab account stores all your test history, tracks parameter trends over time, and provides personalised recommendations with each new result.
Log in to your TRITON Lab account at triton-lab Your dashboard displays all completed analyses with colour-coded results, recommended ranges for your habitat type, and specific dosing recommendations. Results are typically available within 1-3 business days after your sample reaches the lab. You'll receive an email notification when your results are ready.
Yes. Your TRITON Lab dashboard tracks your complete testing history and allows you to compare results across multiple ICP tests. This trend view is one of the most powerful features of regular testing — it shows whether your dosing adjustments are working and helps identify slow-moving changes that a single test might miss. The more tests you accumulate, the more precise your trend analysis becomes.
Research from the reef. For the reef.
Science & Research
TRITON operates a commercial reef research and development program at the Great Barrier Reef. The research vessel Caliste collects reference water samples from different habitats — including reef systems and freshwater sources — for detailed laboratory analysis. This data establishes natural baseline values that inform TRITON's supplementation formulas and helps ensure they reflect real-world reef conditions.
TRITON operates a dedicated research facility at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Our marine scientists collect and analyse water samples from the world's largest reef ecosystem to establish natural reference values for reef aquarium water chemistry. These reference values form the scientific foundation of our ICP testing recommendations — when we tell you what your macro or trace element levels should be, that guidance is based on real reef data, not theoretical models. TRITON is the only aquaristics company with its own ongoing research programme at a natural reef system.
TRITON chose ICP-OES (Optical Emission Spectroscopy) after extensive evaluation because it provides the optimal balance of precision, reliability, and matrix tolerance for seawater analysis. ICP-MS can detect elements below 1 ppb, but this level of sensitivity is not practically relevant for aquarium husbandry — in many cases, it is overkill. It also requires sample dilution, which can introduce additional cost and potential sources of error. Saltwater is a highly complex, high-salinity matrix, and ICP-MS can be affected by matrix interferences that may impact accuracy. ICP-OES, by contrast, is well-suited for high-matrix samples and delivers reliable parts-per-billion precision across 41+ parameters. With over 500,000 saltwater samples analysed, TRITON's ICP-OES methodology is extensively validated for this specific application. Both technologies far exceed the capabilities of any home test kit.
TRITON measures 41+ parameters via ICP-OES testing, plus 3 calculated values (fluoride, chloride, salinity). This includes major elements (calcium, magnesium, potassium, strontium, boron), all critical trace elements (iron, iodine, manganese, zinc, vanadium, molybdenum, cobalt, lithium, barium, fluoride, chromium, bromine), and a comprehensive heavy metal contamination screen (copper, lead, tin, aluminium, nickel). With an additional N-DOC test, you add three organic measurements (TIC, TOC, TNb) — bringing the total to over 47 individual data points.
Live Every Sunday
Ask Ehsan DirectlyEvery Sunday, TRITON founder and CEO Ehsan Dashti answers your questions live — about reef chemistry, ICP results, and the TRITON Method. We announce each session with the exact time on our channels. Follow us so you never miss one.
Still have questions?
Our Scientists Are Here to Help
Our team of chemists and marine scientists is here to help. Whether you need guidance on your ICP results, dosing advice, or help choosing the right products — we're one message away.