Triton Lab N-Doc Organic IPC Test

• Fills a gap standard ICP testing leaves – measures organic carbon and nitrogen, which a standard elemental ICP-OES panel doesn't cover.
• Extended alkalinity reading included – alongside the organics, for a fuller alkalinity picture than a hobby kit gives.
• Aimed at unexplained problems – TRITON recommends it when normal-looking water chemistry doesn't match what you're seeing in the tank.
• Lab-processed, not a home colour test – samples are analysed at a TRITON laboratory, not read against a chart at home.

TRITON describes N-DOC as filling a gap in standard reef testing: it measures the dissolved organic carbon (TOC) and nitrogen (TNb) that standard hobby test kits don't reach, alongside an extended alkalinity (TIC) reading. TRITON's own guidance flags TOC above roughly 3.5 ppm as a level worth addressing, since elevated organic carbon is linked to bacterial and algae blooms.

TRITON recommends this test specifically when your regular ICP results look normal but corals are still underperforming, or when algae problems persist despite otherwise stable water chemistry – situations a standard elemental panel won't explain.

1. Register your kit and its barcodes on the TRITON website.
2. Fill the two supplied vials with aquarium water, three fills each, as instructed in the kit.
3. Seal the vials, attach the barcodes, and pack them in the return packaging.
4. Post the sample to your nearest TRITON laboratory. TRITON emails you when the sample arrives and again once results are ready.

Exact postage and the receiving lab address depend on where you register the kit – follow the instructions included with your specific kit rather than an address printed elsewhere, since TRITON routes samples to different regional labs.

Suitable for: marine and reef aquariums, particularly where algae or coral health issues persist despite normal-looking ICP results.

Not suitable for: freshwater aquariums, and it isn't a substitute for a full ICP-OES elemental panel – the two tests measure different things.

• Triton ICP-OES test – covers the major, trace and unwanted-metal elements this test doesn't, for a complete water picture.
• Activated carbon or a protein skimmer upgrade – common next steps if your TOC result comes back elevated.

This is a single-use test kit and diagnostic service rather than a physical product with a warranty; your rights under Australian Consumer Law apply regardless. Postage to the TRITON lab is separate from delivery of the kit.

What's the difference between this and the ICP-OES test?

ICP-OES measures elements – calcium, magnesium, trace elements and unwanted metals. N-DOC measures organic carbon, nitrogen and extended alkalinity instead, which ICP-OES doesn't cover.

When should I run this test instead of, or alongside, ICP-OES?

TRITON recommends it when ICP results look normal but corals are underperforming, or when algae keeps coming back despite stable water chemistry.

What does a high TOC reading mean?

TRITON flags dissolved organic carbon above roughly 3.5 ppm as a level worth addressing, since it's linked to bacterial and algae growth.

Is there a cost-per-litre figure for this test?

No – like the ICP-OES test, this is diagnostic only and doesn't dose or treat your tank, so there's no volume of water it treats. The cost is per test.

How many water samples do I need to send?

The kit includes two vials, each filled three times with aquarium water, following the instructions supplied.