Silicate levels

[acroman]

I tested my silicates today, and they were at one ppm. 8O I know that this is not good, but exactly how bad is it, and any reccomendations for removal would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Nick

 

[Mikef1]

Make sure to use RO/DI water the DI is important for removing silicate in the water. I would do a good water change and then run RowaPhos. Hope this helps.

 

[Anonymous]

If your tank is new, you can probably expect a diatom bloom. If your make-up water is treated by DI, then what's in your tank will get used up in a bloom. After the tank is established, other algaes will out compete the diatoms, even if trace amounts of silica remain. Silica is part of natural seawater and is used by higher algaes. In a glass aquarium there will always be some present due to the dissolution of the glass itself. According to what I've read, .5ppm silica in an established tank is acceptable.

Regards

 

[randy holmes-farley]

I do not believe that it is bad at all, unless you personally feel that diatoms are already so bad that you want them reduced. 1 ppm is about the level that I add to my tank, and recommend that others consider as well:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/ ... eature.htm

FWIW, there are many things tht we keep in our tanks that need silica, so don't overreact and reduce it unless you actually do have a problem.

 

[reefann]

Yep youll probably get diatom bloom.IF it is a new tank this is a good step to go through just ride it out. Its ugly but healthy.
JJ
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[acroman]

Its over a year old, and i think its because i used tap water for top-off a couple of times when i needed to replace my RO membrane. Im not getting that big of a diatom bloom, it only lasted about a day or two, so im pretty sure that it was the tap water.
Thanks all,
Nick

 

[reefann]

Good to hear it was not a full out bloom. I just got out of one.
JJ
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