GFO source of Silica?

[Righteous]

So my latest Triton ICP noted elevated silicon. I’ve had higher silicon levels on and off, with occasional diatom outbreaks, I’ve checked my source RO/DI water (multistage, spectrapure DI), which has always been clean. However the recent help tab on Triton now lists GFO as a possible source of silicon. Here’s the text:

Check for possible contamination source. To help you in finding the source of error, we have listed the most frequent sources of contamination for silicon (sorted in descending order of frequency):

1. RO/DI Supply
2. Iron based phosphate remover (not RowaPhos or PhosBan)
3. SIPORAX Type media
4. Ceramics

I use BRS High capacity GFO on a regular basis. Is it possible, that as Triton seems to be suggesting, that BRS GFO might be a source rather than removing it? Perhaps their stock is already loaded with silicates?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

What level of Si was observed?

I do not know why the say it can be a source. Perhaps some brands are washed in water that may contain it.

In general, silicate at any level is no concern unless the diatoms are an aesthetic problem. I dosed silicate regularly.

 

[Righteous]

Yes, it’s only an aesthetic problem... I’d like to be able to keep the diatoms off the sand bed.

Levels are only 286 µg/l on the last test. Diatoms come and go so it’s not a horrible plague by any means.

I also rinse my GFO in tap water. My impression had been that wouldn’t be long enough to cause an issue.

 

[tundraguy1106]

What level of Si was observed?

I do not know why the say it can be a source. Perhaps some brands are washed in water that may contain it.

In general, silicate at any level is no concern unless the diatoms are an aesthetic problem. I dosed silicate regularly.

I’ve been reading about dosing silicates to cause diatom bloom to battle Dino’s?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I’ve been reading about dosing silicates to cause diatom bloom to battle Dino’s?

I dosed it to support organisms such as sponges. The diatoms actually clouded the glass less than the green algae they replaced in my system.

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

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yes, it’s only an aesthetic problem... I’d like to be able to keep the diatoms off the sand bed.

Levels are only 286 µg/l on the last test. Diatoms come and go so it’s not a horrible plague by any means.

I also rinse my GFO in tap water. My impression had been that wouldn’t be long enough to cause an issue.

I might switch to RO/DI rinsing.

 

[nereefpat]

Wouldn't GFO remove silicon, rather than being a source?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Wouldn't GFO remove silicon, rather than being a source?

That is certainly what the literature claims:

https://mpp.us.lanxess.com/fileadmin/user_upload/10404_LPT_PD_Bayoxide_E_IN20_EN_A4_web.pdf

"Silica removal from seawater and freshwater aquariums"



Interactions of Silica with Iron Oxides: Effects on Oxide Transformations and Sorption Properties https://www.osti.gov/etdeweb/servlets/purl/185832

 

[Courtney Aldrich]

Here's an old article from Dana Riddle showing GFO rapidly removed silicates from seawater reducing silica from nearly 20 ppm to 0 in less than 24 hours.

Aquarium Chemistry: Effects of GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide) on ‘Trace’ Metals Concentrations in Artificial Seawater

Granular Ferric Oxide (GFO) is popular among reef hobbyists as a means to decrease phosphate levels and subsequently algal growth in their tanks. GFO, however, can also affect other ions and compound levels as well. In this article, Dana investigates the effect that GFO has on our tanks outside...

reefs.com

 

[nereefpat]

That is certainly what the literature claims:

https://mpp.us.lanxess.com/fileadmin/user_upload/10404_LPT_PD_Bayoxide_E_IN20_EN_A4_web.pdf

"Silica removal from seawater and freshwater aquariums"



Interactions of Silica with Iron Oxides: Effects on Oxide Transformations and Sorption Properties https://www.osti.gov/etdeweb/servlets/purl/185832

It has been my experience too. A long time ago I tested for and lowered Si levels using GFO on a tank that I took care of.

I'm confused as to why Triton would claim this.

 

[Righteous]

It has been my experience too. A long time ago I tested for and lowered Si levels using GFO on a tank that I took care of.

I'm confused as to why Triton would claim this.

I was definitely confused. My only thought was what Randy said that maybe some vendors have stuff that’s already loaded with silicates from rinsing or something. They do clearly state to use Phosban or Rowaphos brands to lower silicon. I didn’t know if anyone had experience with different brands and silicon.