Dosing Silicates

[TbyZ]

Hi Randy, if your watching.

I'm sure I've read that you dose silicates. Is this correct?

If so? why, and how is it depleted?

Thanks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Yes, I dosed silicate for many years (tank is currently up). It depeltes very rapidly ( a few days from NSW levels to none detected with a kit).

It is consumed by sponges and diatoms, and snails who also need silicate get it from the diatoms hey consume. I dose it because I like sponges.

This has more:

Feature Article: Silica In Reef Aquariums ? Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog
http://advancedaquarist.com/issues/jan2003/feature.htm

 

[KenO]

Yes, I dosed silicate for many years (tank is currently up). It depeltes very rapidly ( a few days from NSW levels to none detected with a kit).

It is consumed by sponges and diatoms, and snails who also need silicate get it from the diatoms hey consume. I dose it because I like sponges.

This has more:

Feature Article: Silica In Reef Aquariums ? Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog
http://advancedaquarist.com/issues/jan2003/feature.htm

The link doesn't work anymore. Is there a new location for this article?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The link doesn't work anymore. Is there a new location for this article?

Yes, I hate it when they change the URL for no important reason. lol

Silica In Reef Aquariums

Why would I recommend dosing silica? Largely because creatures in our tanks use it, the concentrations in our tanks (at least in mine) are below natural levels, and the sponges, mollusks, and diatoms may not be getting enough to thrive.

reefs.com

 

[KenO]

Yes, I hate it when they change the URL for no important reason. lol

Silica In Reef Aquariums

Why would I recommend dosing silica? Largely because creatures in our tanks use it, the concentrations in our tanks (at least in mine) are below natural levels, and the sponges, mollusks, and diatoms may not be getting enough to thrive.

reefs.com

Thanks Randy.