Silicate removal

[thetedinator]

I have had problems with cyano and some other funky brown blooms. I have heard suggestions about phosphates and silicates. So I finally bought the Salifert kits.

Well today, I tested my water for silicates. I got the following measurements using the Salifert Silicate test kit:

Tap water sample: TDS = 365
SiO2 measured in excess of 3 ppm

Fresh RO/DI sample: TDS = 0
SiO2 measured less than 0.03 (it was undetectable, I had to imagine I saw a blue tint)

My TDS values for my tap water vary from about 300 to as high as 600. I've always used RO/DI water because the water where I live is known to be loaded with cr@p.

I just replaced the cartridges in my RO/DI unit. Put in new 5.0 micron sediment, 1.0 micron sediment, KX industries 0.5 micron carbon and Aries mixed bed DI cartridges.

What does all of this mean? I never measured silicates before so I can't say this is true for ALL of the cartridges I've used in the past but it seems to me that standard RO/DI filter sets remove Silicates.

It also means I'm glad I didn't invest in the Kold-Steril system. Finally, it also means that I still am not sure what caused my struggles with the brown funk.

Ted

 

[mojoreef]

Well sometimes ya just to call it a win or an act of God..whatever works for you,lol

glad its over with


Mike

 

[fishermann]

It can be alot of things other then your water supply.

 

[wrightme43]

Just wondering What is the level of silacate in your tank water?

 

[Boomer]

I have had problems with cyano and some other funky brown blooms. I have heard suggestions about phosphates and silicates

This is true to a point, but it does not mean if the PO4 is 0 ppm and the silica is 0 ppm you will not get cyano or diatoms. They can suck it out of the water as fast as it enters, giving a 0 reading. And even if you have high PO4 or Silica does not mean you will get cyano or diatoms, it is a more complicated issue than that.

Your reading assignment

Phosphate
http://www.aquariumfish.com/aquariumfish/detail.aspx?aid=2276

Phosphorus: Algae’s Best Friend
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2002/chem.htm

Silica in a Reef Tank
http://advancedaquarist.com/issues/jan2003/feature.htm

 

[thetedinator]

Boomer,

I tested my tap water and fresh RO/DI water. I make up my SW from the RO/DI. My point is I don't think silicates are getting into my tank AND plain old RO/DI units remove silicates.

I will read up anyway!

Ted

 

[Boomer]

Ted

I don't disagree with that but some reefers add silica to their tanks