Red Sea Silica Mini-Lab Test Kit
Information
Silicate Test Kit. 50 Tests. Detects low levels of silica in water. Silica is used by diatoms (microscopic algae) to build their protective covering. An abundance of silica may dramactically increase diatoms ability to thrive, which may be seen as a dark brown growth on all objects in the aquarium.
Introduction to Silica
Silica (SiO2), Silicic Acid (H2SiO3), Silicate (SiO32-) and several other Silicon (Si)- compounds, are normal constituents of seawater and freshwater. These substances usually occur in low concentrations and are non-toxic.
Silicon compounds would be of little relevance to the aquarist, if it were not for the fact that certain microscopic algae called diatoms, use Silica to build their protective covering, that completely encloses the individual cells.
Diatoms are always present in small amounts in any aquarium, but if they reproduce to greater densities, their presence can be detected without a microscope as a dark brown growth on all objects in the aquarium.
This phenomenon nearly always occurs in a newly set up marine tank, where the clean sand, rocks etc. turn dark brown for several days to two weeks. This brown growth consists of millions of diatoms, that form a pioneer vegetation on the formerly barren surfaces. As the dissolved Silica is used up, the diatoms gradually decrease their numbers to make space for other settling organisms.
This initial diatom-bloom, which disappears after 1-2 weeks, should be regarded as a natural and beneficial phase in the development of a new aquarium.
Diatom Bloom in established aquariums
Under certain circumstances, diatoms may bloom in older aquaria. This is usually caused by a combination of two factors:
The diatoms are supplied by sufficient Silica to maintain their growth.
The diatoms are not inhibited by the presence of other organisms. This means that the aquarium environment is relatively poor, with insufficient competitors for the diatoms.
Such outbreaks can be treated in two ways:
Introduce fresh live rocks, more invertebrates and by checking the water parameters, (Nitrate, Phosphate, Calcium, Alkalinity), to establish if the environment is still favorable to maintain many species of algae and invertebrates. Check also your protein skimmer and carbon filter for optimal performance.
Testing for the source of the Silica influx. Significant amounts are usually introduced by the tap water used for water changes or as compensation for evaporation. Other possibilities are: use of unsuitable rocks, sand or filter materials, which dissolve significant amounts of Silica into the water. For example, certain kinds of glass based filter substrates for fluidized bed filters may release Silica, facilitated by the constant grinding of the media inside the filter. Although certain water additives may contain some Silica, the amounts involved are seldom relevant, since these additives are usually very much diluted upon dosage.
Recommendations
The maximum allowable Silica concentration of freshwater used to make up seawater is dependent on the stability of your aquarium ecosystem and on the volume of water changes and freshwater additions. In a well balanced reef aquarium with little need for water changes, a detectable amount of Silica in the freshwater source is generally acceptable. Should, however, diatom blooms tend to occur, measures should be taken to purify freshwater prior to use.
Tap water with high Silica levels can be purified by using reverse osmosis filtration. The performance of the equipment should be checked regularly, by testing the Silica level of the filtered water. If the Silica source is found and eliminated, the Silica concentration in the aquarium will decrease naturally, after which the diatom bloom will gradually disappear.
All warranty and claims should be directed towards Red Sea Fish Pharmaceuticals.
Manufacturer Info
Red Sea is widely recognized as a leading innovator and manufacturer of quality products for aquarium hobbyists. With a dedicated team of chemists, biologists and other professionals, Red Sea constantly strives to provide hobbyists of all levels with highly effective solution-driven products designed to make your fish-keeping experience as enjoyable and successful as possible.
The embodiment of Red Sea’s dedication to “making it easy” is the range of unique RED SEA MAX aquariums- The only choice for true plug & play coral reef aquariums.
The Red Sea Max is complemented by Red Sea’s Coral Pro salt which has become the salt of choice for those seeking the very highest quality water quality for their coral reef aquariums. Coral Pro is made using a unique natural process which delivers unrivalled homogeneity and is perfect for delicate corals.
A comprehensive range of substrates, reef test labs & supplements and a full program of protein skimmers including the new C-Skim 1200 completes Red Sea’s marine portfolio and reinforces their reputation as leaders in their field..
For those seeking the very best in planted freshwater aquariums, Red Sea also offers a complete program suitable for every size of aquarium.
Whatever your aquatic needs, Red Sea delivers high quality innovative, solution based products.
Red Sea Silica Mini-Lab Test Kit
Reviews
solid test kit
by
RYAN LEE
Great
Posted: 10/12/2008 from DANA POINT, CA UNITED STATES
4.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
This kit worked as advertised and, from my experience, is very accurate. I tested true r/o-di water and the test shows zero silicates. I tested my tap water and the test showed very high silicates, the test color for the high range of the kit is dark green representing 2ppm. The color in my test tube went past dark green to almost blue the silicates were so high, so I figure well over 2ppm. This would explain my reoccuing diatom bloom. I then used a phosphate/silcate removal media to filter that same water and after a couple day of that the test showed about .35ppm of silicates. The above testing, in my mind, shows how accurate this silica test is.
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Excellent
by
Mr WILLOX
Excellent!
Posted: 5/20/2008 from AUSTIN, TX UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
It was very easy to use and accurate.
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