Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) Test Kit

[2pacc]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a decent test kit for testing Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM). Been running carbon and Seachem purigen to absorb such, though haven't got a clue when to stop. Surely doesn't want to wait til SPS showing tip burns or RTN...

 

[tmz]

No, there isn't any to my knowlege. Those that do studies on it use an analyzer that runs around 50K.

 

[2pacc]

Thanx Tom! Anyone ever had experience CS TEST - Organics? This is the only one I find on the web...

 

[bertoni]

I've never heard of that kit. I'm not sure I'd spend much money on an organics test kit, due to the apparent difficulty of getting a meaningful result. "Organics" covers a very broad range.

 

[Charlene]

I don't know that it necessarily has to be so expensive to produce a reliable test kit. Just that nobody has figured it out or hobbyist don't find it useful. It appearently can be measured using UV light UV light at a wavelength of 254 nanometers.

I wonder is someday someone might figure out how to produce this spectrum using LED's then a device the size of a hanna tester could be produced.

http://glassbox-design.com/2010/dissolved-organic-carbon-doc-uv-254-aquarium/

 

[Charlene]

I've never heard of that kit. I'm not sure I'd spend much money on an organics test kit, due to the apparent difficulty of getting a meaningful result. "Organics" covers a very broad range.

This is a good point. I heard it said you cannot tell a mans worth by weighing his wallet. You must look inside to see what kinds of bills and coins he has. Some compounds may be more harmful than others. However most reef tanks will share a broad spectrum of compounds that no doubt we would wish to lower. A test for hobbyists that is at least consistent would allow us to measure the effectiveness of different filters and additives.

 

[tmz]

. However most reef tanks will share a broad spectrum of compounds that no doubt we would wish to lower.

Maybe, tanks are just as likely quite different in terms of the organic compounds in them as they are similar, imo.Some are helpful; some not;some are potentially harmful. With no differentiation, I'm not sure what an overall organic carbon measure would tell me beyond a general hint to use activated carbon and /or skimming for certain amphipathic and hydrophobic types without knowing how much of the test total was relevant.
Many get a clue regarding organics in their tanks from a lack of water clarity from humic and fulvic compounds which discolor the water and/ or overall high measurable nutrients and sometimes ORP levels.