ATI test High Silicon

[Krad]

Hey R2R,

I got a ATI test after setting up my new tank and Silicon is high in my RODI water and higher in my DT. The BRS RODI system is new, maybe about 400 gallons of water made. TDS meter IN reads 2, OUT reads 0 but I understand that doesn't pick up silicon. Zinc seems to be high in RODI as well.

Is this cause for concern? I read that silicon causes diatoms, which I have currently, but the tank is relatively new so I was expecting them.
Also seems like the DT tank is higher possibly due to my sand? I started with dry sand and rinsed it pretty good but I have a feeling its getting mixed by the CUC.

Currently I am NOT dosing anything, and I see a few traces are low. I mixed Fritz RPM to 1.025 maybe it's time to switch salts?

https://lab.atiaquaristik.com//share/a5fac579b826a6ad4102

 

[Krad]

OH and I forgot, ATI says my Phosphate is 0 but my hanna spits out 0.15~ ppm. Is it possible the Hanna is picking up the silica?

 

[bobnicaragua]

I had a silicate issue in my RODI water and added a second DI stage with a silica buster cartridge.

 

[Krad]

I had a silicate issue in my RODI water and added a second DI stage with a silica buster cartridge.

Yeah seems like I'll need to do something along those lines. I moved, still in the same town, but seems like the water is slightly different. The DI resin is a little gold, but mostly blue. Thinking of just getting another stage like you did and test later.

 

[exnisstech]

ATI botched my RODI results when I sent two samples from the same container (I was testing 2 tanks)

 

[bobnicaragua]

Yeah seems like I'll need to do something along those lines. I moved, still in the same town, but seems like the water is slightly different. The DI resin is a little gold, but mostly blue. Thinking of just getting another stage like you did and test later.

It’s not so bad. When my first resin stage depletes, I’ll only change the first resin stage and sediment filter. The next time, I change all the filters.

 

[Krad]

It’s not so bad. When my first resin stage depletes, I’ll only change the first resin stage and sediment filter. The next time, I change all the filters.

That’s what I’m thinking to not mix the resin and just replace the one that’s being depleted.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I’d personally wait and see what happens as the tank ages a bit. Some of us regularly dosed silicate.

 

[Krad]

I’d personally wait and see what happens as the tank ages a bit. Some of us regularly dosed silicate.

Ok thanks, my goal is no knee jerk reactions in this tank haha just analyze and slowly change if needed. What does dosing silicate do for the tank?

Am I right thinking that’s what’s making my Hanna think there’s “high” PO4 in the tank? ATI said 0, my Hanna jumps between .10 to .33 which doesn’t add up to me.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Ok thanks, my goal is no knee jerk reactions in this tank haha just analyze and slowly change if needed. What does dosing silicate do for the tank?

Am I right thinking that’s what’s making my Hanna think there’s “high” PO4 in the tank? ATI said 0, my Hanna jumps between .10 to .33 which doesn’t add up to me.

Dosing silicate helps sponges and diatoms. If you have a dino issue, diatoms can outcompete dinos. In my case it was for sponges.

 

[Krad]

I also noticed my rodi pressure is 45 psi, brs recommends it being between 60-85, is it worth getting the booster pump?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I also noticed my rodi pressure is 45 psi, brs recommends it being between 60-85, is it worth getting the booster pump?

You may get slower depletion of the DI if you do that. But not necessarily much purer water post DI.

 

[Krad]

You may get slower depletion of the DI if you do that. But not necessarily much purer water post DI.

Thanks, I just got new resin since the old was depleted and I didn’t notice, whether that was the pressure or the new house time will tell. I’ll keep an eye out on the resin the next few water chances and see.

If it depletes quick the pump might make more sense.

 

[PicassoDan]

I also just got back an ATI result that showed high silicon (158.5µg/l) for my RO water (before DI stages).
Randy - would these likely be from silicates?

Now I wonder if I can trust the ATI results...
I guess I will see what the next test looks like in a few months.

 

[Krad]

I also just got back an ATI result that showed high silicon (158.5µg/l) for my RO water (before DI stages).
Randy - would these likely be from silicates?

Now I wonder if I can trust the ATI results...
I guess I will see what the next test looks like in a few months.

Mine were accurate from ATI.
Switched out the resin and did 1 WC and dropped them to about 500ish after a BIG diatom bloom. It's on its last legs now the CUC been working OT.

Not sure if 158 would be considered high mine was almost 4000 :rolling-on-the-floor-laughing:

EDIT: forgot to say with the new resin the last test I sent out had 0 in my RODI

 

[bobnicaragua]

I used to get high silicates on my RODI water. (I found them on ATI ICP test, same as op)

I added a 2nd DI stage and used Silicabuster cartridge. RODI water now tests 0 silicates.

 

[PicassoDan]

Not sure if 158 would be considered high mine was almost 4000 :rolling-on-the-floor-laughing:

I feel better now - thanks :) They say normal range for the tank water is 104

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I feel better now - thanks :) They say normal range for the tank water is 104

Don’t get worked up over the words. Many things claimed by icp companies to be critically high or low (or similar words) may actually be fine.