dry rock leaching silicates?!

[Alexreefer]

Hey all, I have been battling diatoms for 3-4 months and they won't go away. They seem to have appeared after adding dry rock from my lfs. Could the rock be leaching silicates? Would removing the dry rock help solve or mitigate this issue?

Thanks, Alex

 

[chefjpaul]

Are you using rodi?
Positive they are diatoms?
If so, try silica clear from sera, does work in marine.

 

[Alexreefer]

Are you using rodi?
Positive they are diatoms?
If so, try silica clear from sera, does work in marine.

Yes using brs 7 stage rodi. 0 TDS
Yes positive of diatoms. Not Dino or cyano.

 

[Alexreefer]

Are you using rodi?
Positive they are diatoms?
If so, try silica clear from sera, does work in marine.

Cannot find Sera silica clear. Where can you buy it?

 

[chefjpaul]

Cannot find Sera silica clear. Where can you buy it?

https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/s...vR3kIwFEHEpJ23NjMn3Vv3CAsQjcAmd0aAgoREALw_wcB

I use it.

 

[cmcoker]

Take a look at the chrysophytes thread, they discuss how to properly use GFO to remove silicates

 

[Alexreefer]

https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/s...vR3kIwFEHEpJ23NjMn3Vv3CAsQjcAmd0aAgoREALw_wcB

I use it.

Great thanks!

 

[Alexreefer]

Take a look at the chrysophytes thread, they discuss how to properly use GFO to remove silicates

Sure will check it out. I cannot find the thread. Do you have a link?

 

[cperry7467]

Yes using brs 7 stage rodi. 0 TDS
Yes positive of diatoms. Not Dino or cyano.

Odds are it's coming from your RODI. I had the same issue, I couldn't tell when my media was spent and was getting 0 TDS. Apparently silica has a weak charge and often time doesn't show up on TDS. What is your DI bed configuration? A sure fire way to test is to do a ATI ICP test, they test your RODI as well which is how I found my issue.

 

[cmcoker]

Sure will check it out. I cannot find the thread. Do you have a link?

Sure, had to go find it https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/chrysophytes-help-me-cure-it.263759/

 

[Alexreefer]

I am using the brs pro resins in the specified order they said. I had an icp sent out for my tank only and it came back with 1.2 ppm silicates. Will send out an rodi test as well, Thanks!

 

[chefjpaul]

Odds are it's coming from your RODI. I had the same issue, I couldn't tell when my media was spent and was getting 0 TDS. Apparently silica has a weak charge and often time doesn't show up on TDS. What is your DI bed configuration? A sure fire way to test is to do a ATI ICP test, they test your RODI as well which is how I found my issue.

This....

Always try a silica buster cartridge from spectrapure.

 

[cperry7467]

This....

Always try a silica buster cartridge from spectrapure.

I had the silicabuster... There was never a color change in mine and it was purging silicates as the last cartridge in my bed.

 

[chefjpaul]

I had the silicabuster... There was never a color change in mine and it was purging silicates as the last cartridge in my bed.

I had the same issue when I moved and had new water source. I actually go through that cartridge more than my carbon now, hence why i use the silicate remover to elevate and buy more time.

 

[cperry7467]

I had the same issue when I moved and had new water source. I actually go through that cartridge more than my carbon now, hence why i use the silicate remover to elevate and buy more time.

I ended up switching to the BRS pro series and running a single cation bed, anion bed followed by a mixed bed for final polishing. The color change is much more apparent now, zero silicates and no diatoms since I changed over. One of the best changes I've ever made.

 

[chefjpaul]

I ended up switching to the BRS pro series and running a single cation bed, anion bed followed by a mixed bed for final polishing. The color change is much more apparent now, zero silicates and no diatoms since I changed over. One of the best changes I've ever made.

Thank you, definitely look into that. Been so loyal to spectrapure for so long, haven't looked at evolution of options.

 

[Alexreefer]

https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/s...vR3kIwFEHEpJ23NjMn3Vv3CAsQjcAmd0aAgoREALw_wcB

I use it.

Just ordered from them. should come in 3-4 days. Anything I can do while I wait for this to come? Remove the base rock

 

[chefjpaul]

Just ordered from them. should come in 3-4 days. Anything I can do while I wait for this to come? Remove the base rock

I wouldn't remove any rock, unless you don't like it.

 

[Alexreefer]

I wouldn't remove any rock, unless you don't like it.

I just got my silicate clear today. Was super fast! I rinsed it and put it in the sump. How long did it take for you to see results? Any maintenance I need to do?