Frequently Asked Questions
Reef icp
How long will it take to get the results?
Your sample will be analyzed the same day it arrives in our lab and you will then receive the results by email and in your online account. The samples are sent to our logistic center in Houston, Texas. From there it will be send via overnight express to our ICP lab. Our lab is located right next to our coralfarm in Germany. We are analysing water samples from all over the world, for example New Zealand, Japan, China, UK, France, Spain and much more. You should receive your results within 5-7 working days.
How should the samples be sent?
Please send your sample to the following adress and make sure to add a tracking option to your shipment:
Fauna Marin ICP LAB
Shipping Center
555 W. 38th St
Houston TX 77018
As soon as your samples arrive in our lab you will get a notification of receipt via email if your sample is registered on our lab website.
What kind of ICP are you doing?
We are running one of the most modern ICP-OES which is specialized on the analysis of marine water. The lab is located next to our coralfarm which is used for permanent crosscheck. The ICP-OES is very sensible and small things can have a big impact. Therefor a permanent control and calibration is very important. In addition, all tests are made by long time experienced scientists who are very knowledgeable about water parameters and the influence of traces.
How much is the shipping of the samples back to you?
To ship back the samples to us you can use several shipping methods (USPS Priority Mail Service, UPS,…). We strongly recommend to use a tracking option. This way you can always check when your sample arrives at our warehouse. If you want to use stamps only please make sure that you put at least $2.40 in stamps on the envelope. If you use less the sample will not arrive at our warehouse and we are not able to replace it.
If you are not sure please contact us before shipping. The price for First-Class Package Service with USPS incl. tracking is between $4-5 depending on where you are located.
Are we using reagents tests?
No. All tests are performed by special test machines to avoid any sort of misreading.
What is important when I will fill the samples?
If you have a new testkit with syringe filter included please use the filter as shown in the instruction:
Fill the syringe to maximum, put on the filter and discard at least 5 ml to rinse the filter. Then fill the sample tube with at least 15 ml water and make sure to close the lid tight. Repeat with second sample tube.
If you have an old testkit without syringe filter rinse the sample tube with aquarium water and fill it. Then close the lid under water to prevent air bubbles in the sample.
Dry the sample tubes thoroughly before attaching the barcode labels.
Will I receive dosing recommendations of traces and macro elements?
Yes you will receive a full instruction of what to does based on the results. You find a sample analysis here.