What's ORP?

[Kinetic]

What does ORP stand for? Why is it important to monitor in an Aquarium?

 

[L and L]

Oxidation-Reduction Potential

I don't monitor ORP in my aquarium.

I googled "orp" and found this website talking about ORP... but, not exactly towards saltwater aquariums.

http://www.rhtubs.com/ORP.htm

 

[bertoni]

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-12/rhf/feature/index.php

That article is for reefkeepers.

 

[Kinetic]

thanks for the great info! I'll read up on the articles.

 

[L and L]

In that article I posted... the 2nd section "So What Exactly Is ORP?" is pretty good reading.

Here's a quote.

When we use the term potential in describing ORP, we are actually talking about electrical potential or voltage. We are reading the very tiny voltage generated when a metal is placed in water in the presence of oxidizing and reducing agents. These voltages give us an indication of the ability of the oxidizers in the water to keep it free from contaminants.

bertoni's link to Randy Holmes-Farley article is explained nicely too. I did opt for the Simplified Version =) and skipped down to the end to read his summary.