The Triton Method
Results from baseline tests are in
Our first decision was to get baseline results. Moving to the triton method, in my opinion, is about preciseness and measurements. Without baseline data, how do you know where to go?
We ordered our test kit samples from Unique Corals out of California. Within a few days, they arrived. The instructions are pretty easy and lots of Youtube videos exist if you need help. My only advice, be 100% certain you clearly write the ID on the test sample that Triton provides when you set your account up.
Send it off and wait. Remember, it’s going to California, packed up, and shipped to Germany.
Our results arrived. I got an email and a link to view. I was a little nervous, after all, someone is going to either tell me how bad, how good, or just how “ok” this display tank was.
Red marks are not idea, yellow needs improvement, and green is ok. Luckily for me, I had a fair amount of green.
Unwanted heavy metals
My first section to review was unwanted heavy metals:
I had one area in red, SN AKA Tin. Remember, Triton measures against NSW, natural seawater. I have an open conversation with Triton as I transition and they mentioned to look into my RO/DI source. Where I live, my well water is not that great. I used to make my own RODI water, but after one well pump went and the amount of running of the pump creating RODI, I started to purchase water. I was buying RODI water and/or distilled water. Distilled water always has the risk of copper, because sometimes it’s distilled in copper (distilled water is bascially steamed water and what falls back down is kept). Based on these results, I am going to investigate my supplier and slowly address this.
Macro Elements
Looking at my macro-elements, I have some tweaks. Triton’s feedback in my conversation with them was, “Firstly I would check your salinity as your Na, Ca, Mg, and K are all low.”.
I used t dose 2 part, but slowly stopped that a few weeks ago. Mainly due to PH running high and the tank wasn’t absorbing the small doses. I made a decision to stop this, slowly, until I transition to the Triton method.
My salinity was a little off, coming in at 1.024. I shoot for 1.026 and will raise this to get it in line, slowly. I am also going to follow the dosage recommendations Triton provides to adjust my levels, using the triton products.
Triton’s feedback on the rest was, “Sn not too bad, and Li is a common problem in the US. The rest are pretty good.”
So, overall, I honestly am not starting from a terrible place. Stay tuned for part 3 of my Triton Method posts to see the game plan I put together.
