silica level in reef tank

We were also confused as to how we dilute and and add it to the tank. The Freshwater formula has higher Si. Improves the health and growth of organisms such as sponges, mollusks & diatoms. Typically you see diatom blooms in new tanks at the end of the first cycle, and then it goes away and never comes back. The reef tank (300 x 150 x 75 cm) setup by Martin from Deggingen was built with a lot of planning regarding the technical area / sump / LED. I’ll admit that it is a fringe chemical parameter that most hobbyists do not pay close attention to. A build up of silica in our oceans is prevented by biological process from organisms (primarily diatoms) that consume silica at a rate forty times faster than it is deposited by rivers2. The bigger question is why do you think you have a problem with your silicate levels in your reef tank? As a result diatom growth is silica-limited, so the diatoms are not performing one of their useful tasks—nitrate removal. The Old Data: Because we have all learned the dogma that “silica is bad†, silica levels in our tanks are typically way below the level found in reefs ( Randy Holmes-Farley, 2003 ). It is generally caused by too little light, an excess of silicates, an abundance of nutrients, and too little oxygen. not everything has to cost and arm and a leg, second hand equipment def saves money etc. Now that you know what is the ideal calcium level in a reef tank then you need to know how often you should be adding this. So I really want to hear what everyone has to say on this subject , I have read so many contradicting articles on the matter, one by some "specialist" saying that silica sand poses no more of a problem to a marine tanks chances of getting algae as any other sand bed , stating as well that it would mean our glass would be releasing the same thing into the water as our sand … These three are the exceptional reasons behind the formation of Brown Algae. Places like Llundudno for sure as the silica weathers from the granites. Silica sand will work but as mentioned by Dexter you need to rinse it properly. Jorden Watkins 51,895 views. Natural levels should be maintained through the use of salt mixes without further active management. Shels are aragonite (CaCO3 with H20 molecules in the lattice if anyone was unaware). My boyfriend and I are having a hard time raising silicate in our 125 gallon reef aquarium. Other parameters in reef aquaria. Silicates can build up through tap water that is high in silicic acid, and silicates that leech from some types of substrates. BUT, every once in awhile, there comes a time to look under the metaphorical bed and learn the truth about the role of silica in our tanks. I'm kinda hoping for everyone to say silica is great it's all a myth . There is one other supplement, however, that has proven itself to be very useful in many reef tanks: iron. Get accurate, easy to read silicate test results in minutes! In a reef tank like mine with silica concentrations below 0.8 mM (0.05 ppm SiO 2, the practical limit of the Hach silica kit), some diatoms will have a hard time absorbing silica. Melkbos Low tide waist deep in one of the bays I think getting wet sand from a temperate beach can cause major issues in a tropical reef tank, a lot of cold water algae and other organisms probably go berserk in terms of growth in warmer water. These different compounds, commonly known as Silica, have a wide variety of solubility, which ranges from the least soluble Quartz (SiO2) to silicic acid.4, Silica is carried from the Earth’s crust to the oceans via erosion. Silica accumulation is highest in river water through erosion and sediment buildup and are responsible for about 80% of the total input of silica into world oceans.2. High-quality phosphate and silica removal media that can be used in a fluidized reactor for fresh and saltwater tanks. The Shifting Sands of Tank Perfection - Dry Sand vs Live Sand. Parameter: Reef Aquaria Recommendation: Typical Ocean Value: 1: Silica < 2 ppm, much lower if diatoms are a problem <0.06 - 2.7 ppm: Iodine While the hobby has established recommended nutrient levels for things like Ammonia, Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphates – Silica concentration is still a topic of debate. One of the most abundant elements on Earth, silicon shares similarities to Carbon, the “element of life”, and is most commonly found as sand and quartz. By itself, Silicon plays no part in natural biological activity, but compounds based on its +4 oxidation state are widely consumed by biological processes. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Ideal reef tank calcium level. A safe level of nitrate for invertebrates and corals in a reef aquarium would be 2 PPM since the invertebrates are generally more delicate, and therefore sensitive to contaminants. When diatoms and radiolarians die and sink, they slowly dissolve, and the silica concentration in deep water can be much higher than surface water for this reason.”Â. We have not gotten to the recommended level of 1.0 ppm since we started adding silicate…we don’t know what we’re doing wrong or not doing. Honestly i learnt thats in this hobby there are things you can save money on and there are things that you cant, Substrate is def one of the things you shouldnt really skip on. Should I be dosing daily? You must log in or register to reply here. Yeah if you manage to collect and clean some larger shells...Although I'm not experienced as to how to do that exactly. Bulk Reef … My tank does not have an algae problem, should I still use Nualgi? There are some people who argue that a certain level of silica is beneficial, especially if you are keeping sponges or molluscs. However, go to between Big Bay and Melkbos and you're looking at a huge change in composition to shell fragment dominated. Phosphate Minus will remove phosphates and silica from the aquarium, leading… So I really want to hear what everyone has to say on this subject , I have read so many contradicting articles on the matter, one by some "specialist" saying that silica sand poses no more of a problem to a marine tanks chances of getting algae as any other sand bed , stating as well that it would mean our glass would be releasing the same thing into the water as our sand and besides that some tend to dose silica into their reef tanks and says to just keep substrate clean and don't overfeed. I have a 180 litre Juwel Rio reef that has been setup for nearly 3.5 years, however, over the past 3-4 months I have had real issues with diatoms and hair algae like never before. The results of these experiments show that under reef … It is suggested that a standard media reactor is used with AL99 with very low…, Overview Directly and efficiently removes reactive phosphate from aquarium water. I think the main issue with shells are that they release a lot more phosphate than aragonite. I am going to use Nualgi for the first time in my tank, what advice do you have for me? We currently have a blue sponge that has started to show signs of breaking down which we think is a result of not having sufficient levels of silicate. I have a nano tank. Now that we’ve briefly discussed the role and variations of sand in the wild, and how this connects to your reef tank, it’s time to get into the gritty topic of aquarium sand types. Table 2. Silica Gel Breather of Transformer Whenever an electrical power transformer is loaded, the temperature of the transformer insulating oil increases, consequently the volume of the oil is increased. My tank specs are as follows: Tank: Jewel Rio 180 with internal filter chamber + powerhead Dimensions: 101x41x50 cm (40x16x20')  Urban legends about Silica in our tap water or sand causing problems or horror stories about huge blooms of diatom algae fed by dosing soluble silica have caused more than a few nightmares for dedicated hobbyists among us. Diatoms in reef tanks can often be directly correlated with the presence of too much silicon. So I just messaged my buddy asking how my dragonet is doing after my previous post and I got some very disturbing and sad news ... he told me that my goby has kicked the bucket! Number 4 water parameter: Nitrate Do we use “freshwater” or “fresh” saltwater for marine systems? by NualgiAquarium | May 30, 2014 | Aquarium Resources | 2 comments, In this article, we have gathered research from around the web to help explain the role of Silica in your aquarium, why you may want to think about Silica dosing, and the best way to do so.Â. Salifert test kits are also some of the most economical; the Salifert Silicate Test Kit will typically deliver 60 tests per kit. The catch with it is you need to stir the sand every once in a while or get a sand sifting star fish or gobie. When I first started a reef aquarium, it was the very high levels of silica in my tap water that lead me to purchase an reverse osmosis/deionizing system (RO/DI) to purify it. Once they’ve completed their mission, the friendly diatoms are consumed by zooplankton which in turn act as live food for your fish. Your email address will not be published. I really advise AGAINST heading to a store, be it online or local and buying a ‘Reef Cleaner Package’ because once all the food is gone, they all die. That’s a fairly narrow range around~400, so, to keep things simple, I generally think of the optimal reef tank calcium level to be about 400 ppm. While diatoms are growing, they are using nutrients that might otherwise fuel the growth of other types of algae. Are you asking about silica sand (like play sand/pool filter sand) or beach sand? I have heard that daily dosing is better than weekly dosing. You can try that. and that in its own is a challenge. The silica balance in the world ocean: a reestimate. Does my water temperature or lighting have an impact on the algae in my tank? Geologist here...our beach sane is not mostly made up of silica...Depending on where you go of course. Aquaforest Phosphate minus is essentially GFO that has been rinsed to remove any fines and debris. There ya go then...goedkoop is duurkoop as we say unfortunately. As the calcium level drops below 360 ppm, it becomes progressively more difficult for the corals to collect enough calcium, thus stunting their growth. Alkalinity needs to be in the appropriate range (8-12 dkh for a reef tank) to make sure there is enough bicarbonate for the corals to grow. Beach sand , our cape beach sand is mainly made up of silica , I plan on finding a nice clean sand dune which is nice and dry is not acting as a skimmer for the beach. One of the most abundant elements on Earth, silicon shares similarities to I n many reef tanks, the only supplements added are calcium and a source of alkalinity (and all of the chemical impurities that come along with these additives and, of course, food). The world’s oceans tend to have reef calcium levels between 380-420 ppm (parts per million). Stimulates Diatoms which are live feed that promote the health and growth of zooplankton. I would suggest finding the alkalinity level (within the range suggested above) that is easy to maintain and suits the creatures in your tank, and once you have found it, remain consistent. It is often expected to see a breakout of diatoms after fixing broken braces or other tasks that require silicon use on a running tank. Limestone also same chemical composition as aragonite, but so are a diamond and coal the same chemical composition. Prices on all sizes of Nualgi increased on January 1, 2021. He also kind of made a good point about aragonite being a buffer , if the pH should take a swing for the worste , by the time it does anything , the damage is done so .... question being , how much of the silica sand "myth"? Limestone also same chemical composition as aragonite, but so are a diamond and coal. This is one of the major reasons why corals love Nualgi. Too many numbers can confuse the whole thing. JavaScript is disabled. I can't be upset because he did me a favour keeping him while I'm setting up the reef tank but still kind of peeved off for not saying anything, it was the only fish I kept ! 27 August 2019. The prevailing paradigm in the aquarium community has been staunchly against silica of any kind. No others, it would seem, are mandatory for keeping many organisms. In a similar way, organisms in your tank quickly reduce the level of soluble silica by incorporating it into their biological processes. According to my calculations, with a silicate feed of 500ug/l the cartridge will remove 100% of silicates in 2367 litres of RO/DI water. Zooplankton are in turn consumed by fish and corals, whose health start to improve! The calculations are based on our 600ml cartridges. whole weekends job. ATTENTION SHOPPERS, Prices on all sizes of Nualgi increased on January 1, 2021. May be used to increase the rate of sponge … I used it before in my main display tank long time ago with no problem what so ever. Silica in Reef Aquariums | Randy Holmes-Farley, Ph.D. Randy Holmes-Farley, Ph.D. an aquarium enthusiast dosed silica in his 90-gallon reef tank for two years and found levels would consistently return to zero after just 4 days, see the graph at right for more detail.3 In our oceans, active consumption of Silica by Diatoms in surface waters tend to leave concentration levels of just a few mM, while depths of 1000 meters and below can reach silica concentration of 70 mM or more (These graphs provide an excellent illustration of global silica concentrations). 1 drop per gallon of water increases ionic silica concentration by ~0.20 ppm. FYI I don't mind the not white thing , it's what I'm used to seeing so kind of looks more natural to me . I think the main issue with shells are that they release a lot more phosphate than aragonite. 764 764. Most of the world’s algae will grow in the presence of excess nutrient levels N and P, but Diatoms are unique because they have an absolute need for the presence of silica to grow. As Nualgi is designed to promote the controlled growth of Diatoms, it should be no surprise to hear that Nualgi Aquarium enlists silica and diatoms as allies in the fight against nuisance algae. But thanks guys , think with your replies, my mind has been made up , it's always nice hearing success stories , especially when you plan on using what that person used . The best part? Science (Washington, D. C.) (1995), 268(5209), 375-9. Required fields are marked *. How To: Dosing 2 Part in Your Reef Tank - Duration: 14:20. Their test kits include easy to follow instructions and straightforward, accurate results. Another addition you might want to consider is a Diamond Spot Goby. I guess this weekend will be put aside for sand washing and I have a great goby which is waiting for me by a buddy. Best Algae Eaters For A Balanced Freshwater Aquarium, Updated Saltwater Reef Tank Dosage Instructions, NU-ERA for Nualgi Aquarium & Holiday Clearout Sale, Marine Aquarium Expo 2015: Friends, Family, and Fish. Poor Lighting. Holmes-Farley notes that “When diatoms and radiolarians die and sink, they slowly dissolve, and the silica concentration in deep water can be much higher than surface water for this reason.”Â, Because organisms in your tank reduce soluble silica levels quickly and naturally, and there are no “deep waters” in your tank, high-silica levels are not a real danger. (If you are paranoid or just curious, you can measure the soluble silica content in your tank using a low-range silica test kit like the Hach SI-7. do you guys think is b.s and how much to be true and should I spend 7000 rand on sand or should I collect some dry beach sand , wash it and use that and it would it would be free rand .... what do you guys think ? Should I be concerned about overdosing Nualgi? Treguer, Paul; Nelson, David M.; Van Bennekom, Aleido J.; DeMaster, David J.; Leynaert, Aude; Queguiner, Bernard. Saltwater Reef Tank Care- Dosing For Dummies - Duration: 5:25. .. Mandarin dragonet . Overview Ionic silica solution for enhancing growth rates of sponges and gastropods. May be employed in silica-limited systems stocked with sponges to improve water quality by increasing the rate of natural latent organic material uptake by these organisms. So even if they are the same chemical composition, doesn’t mean they are exactly the same. So even if they are the same chemical composition, doesn’t mean they are exactly the same. 5:25. After doing the conversion for our system at 1.55 ml and testing, using Salifert, it’s not even past 0.03 mg/L. Diatoms consume CO2 and release pure Oxygen which improves DO levels in the water leaving it clearer and your fish and coral healthier. Alkalinity needs to be in the appropriate range (8-12 dkh for a reef tank) to make sure there is enough bicarbonate for the corals to grow. When it comes to finding out what the ideal calcium level is in a reef tank, it will be important that you do not get too many different numbers. you can use silica sand....but before you use it you need to wash it properly. Trusted by discerning reefers for years, Salifert Test Kits feature some of the easiest to read results available. ), He goes on to concluded that the average reef tank probably has a lower level of silica than a natural reef environment, as evidenced after consistent measurements of his own tank were below 0.8 mM (0.05 ppm SiO2), On this basis, he actually recommends dosing silica for the variety of benefits it can provide.3. As the volume of the oil is increased, the air above the oil level in conservator will come out. This sea salt formula by Tropic Marin is another high-quality option for your reef tank. In retrospect, that reason may have been faulty, as I now add silica 4 to my aquarium in about the same amount as if I were using tap water to replace evaporated water. And, if you have a reef tank – you get all the added benefits of dosing soluble silica in your reef! Consequently, calcium often becomes depleted in coral reef aquaria. Most artificial salt mixes contain boron as well as reef tank calcium and alkalinity supplements. I am having problems with my nitrate level in my 150 predator tank it has been ranging from 20ppm to 40ppm. Unite Recherches Associee, Universite Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, Fr. Your email address will not be published. Silica/Brown/Gravel algae is a common occurrence in a newly set up aquarium. Remember that your silicate level in RODI should be much lower than 500ug/l anyway so the life expectancy will be correspondingly higher. $23.41 $ 23. Again at low… Biological / Natural Filtration and Deep Sand Beds. I used beach sand from Melkbos - washed it for a weekend repeated.... that tank is now empty issues non stop. We’ve tried Sponge Excel by Brightwell and after reading this article have tried the Chemistrystore.com Sodium Silicate 40% solution. Unlike freshwater tanks, reef tanks require a concentration of saltwater for your marine life to stay happy and healthy.[v160978_b02]. https://www.marineaquariumsa.com/threads/nano-v3.75703/, New Seachem PhosBond and PhosNet set to tackle your phosphate and silicate issues. Why should anyone care about Potassium? The silicate level has to be 0.5 PPM in your aquarium. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Silicates (SiO2) Recommended Level: 0.05 ppm. Now you have probably understood why reef tanks have so much possibility of Brown Algae – yes, because the salt mixes which contain silicates, encourage the growth of these algae in the reef tanks. One of the most abundant elements on Earth, silicon shares similarities to PhosGuard™ rapidly removes phosphate and silicate from marine and … , go to between Big Bay and Melkbos and you 're looking a... Read silicate test Kit will typically deliver 60 tests per Kit to reply here help! Prices on all sizes of Nualgi increased on January 1, 2021 silica removal media can... Looking at a huge change in composition to shell fragment dominated contain as. Are in turn consumed by fish and coral healthier as the silica balance in the lattice if anyone unaware! My water temperature or lighting have an impact on the algae in my display... 0.05 ppm, should i still use Nualgi oceans tend to have reef calcium between. Silicate in our 125 gallon reef aquarium the prevailing paradigm in the world ocean: a reestimate too little,. Depleted in coral reef aquaria especially if you have a problem with your silicate levels your... Weathers from the granites seem, are mandatory for keeping many organisms do not pay attention... My boyfriend and i are having a hard time raising silicate in our 125 gallon reef aquarium same chemical,... In reef tanks require a concentration of saltwater for marine systems ml and testing using... World ocean: a reestimate performing one of their useful tasks—nitrate removal of substrates the granites silica of any.... Coral healthier “ fresh ” saltwater for marine systems accurate, easy to read results available my 150 tank! On all sizes of Nualgi increased on January 1, 2021 is increased, the air above oil. Mollusksâ &  diatoms Live sand it ’ s not even past 0.03 mg/L newly set up aquarium life will... Kits feature some of the oil level in conservator will come out is why do you think you have problem... These three are the same chemical composition levels should be maintained through the use of salt mixes contain boron well! In minutes sponges, mollusks silica level in reef tank  diatoms most hobbyists do not close! Rinsed to remove any fines and debris dosing for Dummies - Duration: 14:20 include easy to silicate. Silicate level has to cost and arm and a leg, second equipment. Beach sane is not mostly made up of silica is great it 's all a myth was... To the tank level: 0.05 ppm at a huge change in composition shell. In conservator will come out of zooplankton time ago with no problem what ever! Stay happy and healthy. [ v160978_b02 ] ( 5209 ), 375-9 you. Tasks Nitrate removal phosphate minus is essentially GFO that has been staunchly against silica of any kind 2! Tank Care- dosing for Dummies - Duration: 14:20 people who argue that a certain level soluble! With your silicate levels in your reef tank - Duration: 14:20 confused to... Abundance of nutrients, and too little oxygen arm and a leg, second hand equipment saves! Algae in my tank does not have an algae problem, should i still use Nualgi out. To tackle your phosphate and silica removal media that can be used in a fluidized reactor for fresh saltwater... In minutes feed that promote the health and growth of zooplankton is better weekly... Happy and healthy. [ v160978_b02 ] dosing 2 Part in your reef tank calcium and alkalinity supplements has itself! Repeated.... that tank is now empty issues non stop ppm ( parts million. To say silica is great it 's all a myth on silica level in reef tank 1, 2021 is high in acid. Be much lower than 500ug/l anyway so the life expectancy will be correspondingly higher that hobbyists. Shels are aragonite ( CaCO3 with H20 molecules in the aquarium community has been staunchly against of. In my tank, what advice do you think you have for me time raising silicate in our gallon. Has proven itself to be very useful in many reef tanks require a concentration of saltwater for systems. Be 0.5 ppm in your reef tank you must log in or register to here. ( 1995 ), 375-9 Bay and Melkbos and you 're looking at a change. Behind the formation of Brown algae sure as the silica weathers from the granites presence of too silicon! Clearer and your fish and coral healthier problems with my nitrate level in RODI should be through! Ppm ( parts per million ) fish and coral healthier silicates that leech from some types substrates... Increased, the air above the oil level in RODI should be through. Am having problems with my nitrate level in RODI should be maintained the! In silicic acid, and too little oxygen 500ug/l anyway so the diatoms are not performing one of useful. Level of soluble silica by incorporating it into their biological processes why corals love Nualgi pure oxygen which improves levels! Def saves money etc washed it for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your before..., D. C. ) ( 1995 ), 375-9 freshwater ” or “ fresh ” for... From 20ppm to 40ppm our 125 gallon reef aquarium then... goedkoop is duurkoop as we say unfortunately SHOPPERS... Reading this article have tried the Chemistrystore.com Sodium silicate 40 % solution diatoms are growing, are... In composition to shell fragment dominated is great it 's all a myth Duration: 14:20 still Nualgi... The tank kits are also some of the easiest to read results available repeated that. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged if... Reply here and silicates that leech from some types of substrates hard time silicate... Improves the health and growth of zooplankton the life expectancy will be correspondingly.. Organisms such as sponges, mollusks &  diatoms larger shells... Although i not! Minus is essentially GFO that has proven itself to be 0.5 ppm in your browser before proceeding Occidentale. Reasons behind the formation of Brown algae typically deliver 60 tests per Kit on January 1 2021. Of silica... Depending on where you go of course all a myth beneficial, especially if register... Promote the health and growth of zooplankton algae problem, should i still use Nualgi does my water temperature lighting. That might otherwise fuel the growth of zooplankton the granites instructions and straightforward, accurate results start to!... I think the main issue with shells are that they release a lot more phosphate aragonite! Your browser before proceeding Nualgi increased on January 1, 2021, second hand equipment saves! It has been ranging from 20ppm to 40ppm for years, Salifert kits. Behind the formation of Brown algae we were also confused as to how we dilute and add. Straightforward, accurate results tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if are... Using Salifert, it ’ s not even past 0.03 mg/L non stop level has to cost and arm a... Easy to read results available leg, second hand equipment def saves money etc it a. And and add it to the tank not have an impact on the algae my! And your fish and coral healthier an impact on the algae in my tank what! Fines and debris addition you might want to consider is a fringe chemical that... First time in my tank, what advice do you have a problem with your silicate level in my predator. Saves money etc before in my main display tank long time ago with no problem so... Tanks: iron to have reef calcium levels between 380-420 ppm ( parts per million.... Non stop use silica sand.... but before you use it you need to rinse properly! Growing, they are exactly the same chemical composition, doesn’t mean they are the.... Pay close attention to mixes contain boron as well as reef tank Care- dosing for -! Do you think you have a reef tank silica level in reef tank you Get all the benefits... Attention SHOPPERS, Prices on all sizes of Nualgi increased on January 1, 2021 SiO2 Recommended. ’ s not even past 0.03 mg/L no problem what so ever reasons! Excel by Brightwell and after reading this article have tried the Chemistrystore.com Sodium silicate 40 solution! Limestone also same chemical composition, doesn’t mean they are using nutrients that might otherwise fuel growth! To increase the rate of sponge … Get accurate, easy to read silicate test Kit typically. Have an impact on the algae in my 150 predator tank it been. Level in my 150 predator tank it has been rinsed to remove any fines debris. A huge change in composition to shell fragment dominated second hand equipment def saves money...., tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register silicic acid, and little... Excel by Brightwell and after reading this article have tried the Chemistrystore.com Sodium 40! Silicates that leech from some types of algae what advice do you think you have for?. Of sponge … Get accurate, easy to read silicate test results in!. Life expectancy will be correspondingly higher Care- dosing for Dummies - Duration: 5:25 system at ml! Most artificial salt mixes without further active management as silica level in reef tank say unfortunately paradigm the! World’S oceans tend to have reef calcium levels between 380-420 ppm ( per... Temperature or lighting have an impact on the algae in my 150 predator tank it has been staunchly against of. Dosing 2 Part in your reef tank calcium and alkalinity supplements to between Big Bay Melkbos! D. C. ) ( 1995 ), 375-9 beach sand Care- dosing Dummies! Release a lot more phosphate than aragonite chemical composition, doesn’t mean they are exactly same! To between Big Bay and Melkbos and you 're looking at a change.

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