Understanding Fauna Marin's ICP Water Analysis Lineup
Knowing what's in your water is one of the most important and most overlooked aspects of keeping a healthy reef. Fauna Marin, one of Europe's most respected names in marine science, offers four distinct ICP-based water analysis services, each designed for a different level of scrutiny and a different type of aquarium. Whether you're maintaining a beginner saltwater setup, managing a demanding SPS reef, or caring for a freshwater planted tank, there's a test engineered for your needs.
The lineup spans from the streamlined Reef ICP Test, a fast, 37-parameter overview using pure ICP-OES, all the way to the flagship Reef ICP Super MS, which layers ICP-MS ultra-trace detection, organic water chemistry analysis, and a self-learning AI validation system on top of a full ICP-OES panel. In between sit the comprehensive Reef ICP Test Total (90+ parameters, including a dedicated RO/osmosis water panel) and the freshwater-specific Fresh ICP Test, part of the BlueGreen product line.
The table below lays out every major difference across the four tests, from methodology and parameter count to turnaround time, so you can make a confident, informed decision before you send your sample.
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Reef ICP
|
Reef ICP Total
|
Fresh ICP
|
Reef ICP Super MS
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater + RO | Freshwater | Saltwater (reef) |
| Parameters | 37 | 90+ seawater · 20 RO | 50+ | All of ICP Total + ICP-MS ultra-trace + organic |
| Analysis Methods | ICP-OES | ICP-OES + photometric & electrochemical | ICP-OES + photometric & electrochemical | ICP-OES + ICP-MS + NPOC + SAK 254 + TnB + AI validation |
| Sub-Tests Included | — | — | — |
|
| AI Validation | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Self-learning AI with auto plausibility checks & re-measurement on anomalous results |
| Best For | Routine reef monitoring & first-time ICP users | Complete overview incl. RO source water | Freshwater & planted tank owners | SPS, LPS & mixed reefs; root-cause diagnostics |
| Dosage Recommendations | Yes | Yes | Not stated | Yes |
| Turnaround | 1–2 working days upon receiving | 1–2 working days upon receiving | 1–2 working days upon receiving | 1–2 working days upon receiving |
| Prepaid Shipping Included | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Results Delivery | Online + PDF by email | Online + PDF by email | Online + PDF by email | Online + PDF by email |
|
Reef ICP
|
Reef ICP Total
|
Fresh ICP
|
Reef ICP Super MS
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater + RO | Freshwater | Saltwater (reef) |
| Parameters | 37 | 90+ seawater · 20 RO | 50+ | All of ICP Total + ICP-MS ultra-trace + organic |
| Analysis Methods | ICP-OES | ICP-OES + photometric & electrochemical | ICP-OES + photometric & electrochemical | ICP-OES + ICP-MS + NPOC + SAK 254 + TnB + AI validation |
| Sub-Tests Included | — | — | — |
|
| AI Validation | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Self-learning AI with auto plausibility checks & re-measurement on anomalous results |
| Best For | Routine reef monitoring & first-time ICP users | Complete overview incl. RO source water | Freshwater & planted tank owners | SPS, LPS & mixed reefs; root-cause diagnostics |
| Dosage Recommendations | Yes | Yes | Not stated | Yes |
| Turnaround | 1–2 working days upon receiving | 1–2 working days upon receiving | 1–2 working days upon receiving | 1–2 working days upon receiving |
| Prepaid Shipping Included | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Results Delivery | Online + PDF by email | Online + PDF by email | Online + PDF by email | Online + PDF by email |
Key Takeaways
Not sure which test is best for you? Here's the quick version; each test has a clear purpose, and understanding where they differ makes the choice straightforward.
- Reef ICP Water Test -The entry point into Fauna Marin's lab ecosystem.
- Reef ICP TOTAL Water Test - The most complete standard analysis in the lineup.
- Fresh ICP Water Test - Part of the BlueGreen line, this test is built entirely for freshwater aquariums.
- Reef ICP Super MS Water Test - Fauna Marin's most advanced analysis — built for serious aquarists who need root-cause answers, not just readings
Want to Learn More?
Watch this CVtv Episode about Fauna Marin Reef ICP Total Water Testing