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Mineral Chemistry
Silicate
Dissolved silica - a diatom nutrient that fuels brown algae blooms. Common in tap water and new reef tanks.
Unit: ppm Code: SILICATE
📖 Overview
Silicate is the food source for diatoms - the brown "algae" that dust new tanks. In freshwater tanks, mild silicate causes brown film algae in the first months. In reef tanks, silicate feeds diatom blooms and interferes with coralline algae growth. Silicate is removed via RODI water and silicate-absorbing media in filters.
🧪 Testing Methods
Salifert Silicate. Hanna Instruments Silica Checker.
📉 How to Lower
RO/DI water (essential for silicate-free source water). Silicate-removing media (Rowa Phos, PolyFilter).