Grade of sodium silicate?

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

There are higher grades, such as food grade, but I'm not sure they are any different than a technical grade analyzed for impurities.

But your options for buying chemicals are more limited than a company would be and I'm not sure what you will be able to find by googling.

 

[Cory]

Ok. Im wondering if when i use my diatom powder with my diatom filter it might have enough silica in the diatomacheous earth to keep it alive and growing? I just bought a 35 kilo bag from a farm feed store for 35$!

 

[Cory]

Also what about high purity magnesium silicate (talc). Ive found some of that. Would it work?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I think a diatom filter probably adds some dissolved silica to the water.

I've never tried, but I worry the talc may not dissolve.

 

[Cory]

Ok it was my concern too. Ill buy the sodium silicate technical grade! Thanks!