Instant Ocean and diatoms

LoneStarReef · Jul 14, 2018

Has anyone had problems with IO being high in silicates? I am having a huge diatom problem and wondering if my IO mix is fueling the problem with high silicates.

GoVols · Jul 14, 2018

LoneStarReef said:
Has anyone had problems with IO being high in silicates? I am having a huge diatom problem and wondering if my IO mix is fueling the problem with high silicates.

I don't

Cory · Jul 14, 2018

LoneStarReef said:
Has anyone had problems with IO being high in silicates? I am having a huge diatom problem and wondering if my IO mix is fueling the problem with high silicates.

Its possible salt mix has silicate in it but its much more likely silicate is getting through your ro/di water.

looneywun · Jul 14, 2018

ive used io for 2 years no silicate problems here.

madweazl · Jul 14, 2018

Not coming from the salt.

KJ · Jul 14, 2018

I used IO or RC for many years no problem.

WVNed · Jul 14, 2018

There are those of us that don't because it seems to grow brown stuff under bright lighting.

We are probably completely wrong.

Probably.

LoneStarReef · Jul 14, 2018

Cory said:
Its possible salt mix has silicate in it but its much more likely silicate is getting through your ro/di water.

I’ve heard that before. I just changed my DI resin and my TDS meter reads 0 on the output. I assume the TDS meter will detect dissolved silicates?

LoneStarReef · Jul 14, 2018

WVNed said:
There are those of us that don't because it seems to grow brown stuff under bright lighting.

We are probably completely wrong.

Probably.

Really? Elaborate please!! I have brown stuff all over my sand and glass and it’s extremly annoying. My live rock seems to stay clear of it.

Cory · Jul 14, 2018

LoneStarReef said:
I’ve heard that before. I just changed my DI resin and my TDS meter reads 0 on the output. I assume the TDS meter will detect dissolved silicates?

I dont know but found a post frlm Randy holmes farley for you:

"Silicate will not show up well on a TDS meter unless the pH is high enough to form silicate (Si(OH)3O-; pH above about 9). Otherwise, it will mostly be in the form of silicic acid, Si(OH)4, which is not conductive.

In addition to the above article, I discuss issues relating to it penetrating RO membranes and DI resins in:

Reverse Osmosis/Deionization Systems to Purify Tap Water for Reef Aquaria
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-05/rhf/index.htm

Cory · Jul 14, 2018

If your not already using spectrapure silicate removing memrane that may be a solution

WVNed · Jul 14, 2018

Just an observation and a belief based on experience over 10 years. Many years ago on another forum it was advised to not use IO in a reef tank. I have found it to be good advise.

Lots of bown stuff threads posted on this forum.
Algae too
Just a belief.

LoneStarReef · Jul 14, 2018

Cory said:
I dont know but found a post frlm Randy holmes farley for you:

"Silicate will not show up well on a TDS meter unless the pH is high enough to form silicate (Si(OH)3O-; pH above about 9). Otherwise, it will mostly be in the form of silicic acid, Si(OH)4, which is not conductive.

In addition to the above article, I discuss issues relating to it penetrating RO membranes and DI resins in:

Reverse Osmosis/Deionization Systems to Purify Tap Water for Reef Aquaria
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-05/rhf/index.htm

I was just reading that post! Thanks for the info.

LoneStarReef · Jul 14, 2018

Cory said:
If your not already using spectrapure silicate removing memrane that may be a solution

Good call. Thx

LoneStarReef · Jul 14, 2018

WVNed said:
Just an observation and a belief based on experience over 10 years. Many years ago on another forum it was advised to not use IO in a reef tank. I have found it to be good advise.

Lots of bown stuff threads posted on this forum.
Algae too
Just a belief.

You have me wondering too. I may switch salts and see what that does. I thought my initial problem was old DI resin. I changed it a few weeks ago and have done multiple water changes since then with no change in diatoms.

madweazl · Jul 14, 2018

LoneStarReef said:
You have me wondering too. I may switch salts and see what that does. I thought my initial problem was old DI resin. I changed it a few weeks ago and have done multiple water changes since then with no change in diatoms.

The notion that Instant Ocean isn't a good choice for a reef is ridiculous. I'm not sure if he's referring to Reef Crystals which does leave a residue (Instant Ocean does not) but tons of reefers use it with fantastic results as well (Copps being a notable user that runs his personal and business tanks with it).

WVNed · Jul 14, 2018

It is ridiculous. I don't even know why there are other brands of salt made. IO is perfect in every way.

I have Tropic Marin in my tank. I will drain it and sterilize it with fire immediately.

I am sorry.

MTBake · Jul 14, 2018

The silicate is coming from your water source. Not the salt mix. I've had the same problem before and don't use IO. I had to modify my di to remove it.

chinw76 · Jul 14, 2018

Measure ammonia levels in fresh batch of salt water. I got rid of instant ocean when I measured .5 pmm ammonia in fresh mix. My rodi water had 0. I went to red sea blue bucket and happy with the change.

Instigate · Jul 14, 2018

WVNed said:
It is ridiculous. I don't even know why there are other brands of salt made. IO is perfect in every way.

I have Tropic Marin in my tank. I will drain it and sterilize it with fire immediately.

I am sorry.

Good.