ATI Essentials Pro is a comprehensive, all-in-one dosing system that provides a tank with 28 essential elements. Unlike similar products, it is a 2-part system that is dosed in equal parts, making it comparatively easy to use. The following article includes common troubleshooting situations with ATI Essentials Pro and how to resolve them.
Why is there a white solid (precipitate) at the bottom of my Essentials Pro bottle?
ATI Essentials Pro is a highly concentrated liquid. As such, it can come out of solution when it gets too cold. Precipitation generally occurs with Part 1.
- Cause(s): Low Temperature. When exposed to cold temperatures, the product may precipitate out of solution, leaving a hard, white-colored solid precipitate behind in the bottom of the bottle.
- Solution(s): Increase solution temperature and agitate the water with a pump. DO NOT use the product until the solid precipitate dissolves, and both bottles are clear.
Learn More: https://www.atinorthamerica.com/blog/how-to-recombine-a-precipitated-ati-essentials-pro-solution/
How do I get the right water parameters needed for starting Essentials Pro?
Before starting Essentials Pro, the alkalinity should measure between 7-8 dKH, the calcium should be approximately 420 ppm, and the salinity should be 35 ppt.
- Cause(s): Overdosing. Using a “high alkalinity” salt with higher concentrations of alkalinity and calcium.
- Solution(s): Wait it out; corals and other tank inhabitants will naturally consume alkalinity and calcium. If using a “high alkalinity” salt, switch to a salt mix with the same parameters as natural seawater with KH in the range of 7 -8 and calcium of 420 – 440 ppm. Perform daily 10% water changes to speed up the process.
What happens if my tank is not using equal amounts of Part 1 and Part 2?
Part 1 is predominately alkalinity (dKH), while Part 2 is predominately calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). Short term deviations in the balance of calcium and alkalinity occur regularly. In this situation, continue doing Part 1 and Part 2 in equal proportions. Real variations in the balance of calcium and alkalinity generally take place over time due to coral demand. Usually, these deviations do not show up for at least several weeks, if not months or even years.
- Cause(s): Types of corals. Some corals use a higher percentage of magnesium and strontium in place of calcium. The higher magnesium and strontium consumption decreases the demand for calcium resulting in unequal consumption of alkalinity and calcium.
- Solution(s): Use the calculator in the link below to adjust the dosage of Part 2
Setting Essentials Pro 2 Based on Calcium Consumption: https://atiaquaristik.com/en/?page_id=1458
How do I maintain a consistent alkalinity level?
As mentioned above, the concentration of alkalinity in natural seawater is low compared to calcium. As a result, alkalinity levels can change faster than calcium levels.
- Cause(s): Chasing minor changes. Depending on the dosing schedule and tank demand, alkalinity levels can fluctuate throughout the day.
- Solution(s): Since alkalinity levels can fluctuate throughout the day, it is imperative to test each day at the same time. Also, small fluctuations in alkalinity of 0.1 or 0.2 from one day to the next are reasonable, and no change in the dosing amount is needed. Only when the alkalinity increases or decreases by 0.3 or more over two or more days should the dosage be adjusted.
How do I maintain the correct doing amount?
Over time the demand for calcium, alkalinity, and other elements changes as new corals are added, and current corals grow or even die.
- Cause(s): Failing to adjust dosage after adding new corals, a significant increase in coral growth, or the substantial loss of coral.
- Solution(s): Regularly testing alkalinity and recalculating dosing levels at least once every month.
What do I do if my trace elements are too high?
Although uncommon, trace elements can get too high.
- Cause(s): Low trace element consumption, corroding metal in the tank, poor RO water quality, salt mix that is contaminated, and other factors.
- Solution(s): Get a complete analysis of your water parameters, including trace elements, with an ATI ICP Labs ICP Test to check trace element levels. If they are too high, eliminate sources of pollution, follow recommendations from the ICP analysis report list, and do regular 10-20% water change until the problem is resolved.
What do I do if my iodine is low?
Protein skimming and the use of carbon can reduce iodine levels.
- Cause(s): Overuse of carbon; over-skimming
- Solution(s): Supplement with ATI Iodine (0.6 ml per 25 gallon per week); limit carbon use to no more than four days and remove it from the tank after use.
We hope these tips help make dosing and addressing common troubleshooting situations with ATI Essentials Pro easier. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us.