What threats are hiding in your aquarium?

No, a microbiome test analyzes the bacterial community in a sample. P3 is different, it is specifically designed to detect harmful non bacterial organisms (eukaryotes) that pose a risk to your fish and corals. This includes parasites, pests, and pathogens such as ciliates, protists, fungi, dinoflagellates, worms, crustaceans, and other aquatic organisms.

P3 uses eDNA and metagenomics analysis. These are highly sensitive, especially in aquatic samples. Studies show that eDNA technology surpasses traditional survey methods in detecting even the smallest traces of organisms. This makes it an invaluable tool for identifying hidden pathogens, cryptic parasites, and early-stage invasive species before they become a serious problem in your tank.

Sample collection is simple.
Use the large syringe to collect aquarium water and push it through the DNA filter.
Use the small syringe to add the DNA preservative to the filter.
Detailed step-by-step instructions is provided in your P3 kit

Free DNA degrades relatively quickly after being shed from an organism. Its persistence in an aquarium depends on factors such as species, UV exposure, temperature, oxygen levels, and bacterial activity. In most cases, DNA remains detectable for 1 to 7 days after the organism has been eliminated before breaking down completely. Therefore, it is best to wait at least a week after removal or after a full quarantine period before re-testing to confirm that the issue has been fully resolved.

Keep the sample in a cool, dark place and ship it as soon as possible to ensure sample integrity. The preservation solution provided in the kit will keep the DNA stable for up to a week at room temperature.

A negative result (in the report- 'not detected') means no DNA from the particular pathogens, parasites or pests species was found in your sample. Given sufficient high-quality data, our tests are designed to detect known organisms at low levels. However, all tests have a limit of detection, meaning extremely low concentrations of an organism may go undetected. The limit of detection of DNA sequencing depends on the number of sequences analysed. The P3 test analyses ~50,000 individual DNA sequences in each sample to maximise the sensitivity and to detect low abundance species.

DNA sequencing is highly precise, and a positive result generally confirms the presence of that DNA in your sample. However, false positives can occur due to two possibilities:

1. Database limitations (misidentification of closely related species)
2. Contamination during sample collection and processing.

While we take extensive precautions to prevent errors, biological contamination is the most likely cause of any false positives. DNA can travel in the air via water droplets and aerosols from the environment or from other aquariums in the room. Cross contamination between tanks may introduce DNA from one tank to another.
When sampling, use the provided gloves and follow the collection instructions. When done this way, you can be confident that a positive detection confirms the presence of the particular species.

The high throughput DNA analysis is processed in batches. Once we receive your sample, the entire process—including sample processing, QC, DNA sequencing, analysis, and report generation—takes approximately 4 weeks. This can change depending on where your sample falls in the queue.

The P3 sample collection kit should be stored at room temperature preferably in a cold and dark place. The components of the kit are shelf stable. However, we recommend to use the kit within 12 months due to the preservative solution.

Yes. Considering the water quality is optimal. The P3 test identifies potential biological threats in your tank that can harm your aquarium inhabitants, helping you take informed action. However, it does not diagnose non-biological issues like water chemistry imbalances, which can also impact your aquarium health.

Absolutely! P3 is designed to complement standard water quality tests by identifying biological threats, such as pathogens and parasites, which traditional chemical parameter tests cannot detect. Using both provides a comprehensive understanding of your aquarium’s overall health.