Is it possible to mix sodium silicate with vinegar?

[jedimasterben]

Hi Randy, so after reading loads of your articles (and hearing your personal experience with sodium silicate), I dosed it in my 80g tank with great results, decent sponge growth, lots of feather dusters/worms, and generally less diatom growth on the glass. The only thing I don't like about it is the magnesium snowstorm that comes with it, even when dosed slowly and diluted.

I also want to dose a little bit of vinegar, for the obvious benefits

Is it possible to combine the two and then store mixed for later dosing? Would this potentially counteract the magnesium storm due to the acidity of the vinegar?


Thanks!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

No, you'll precipitate silica (SiO2). The reason the silicate stays in solution in sodium silicate solution is the very high pH. Vinegar will lower that and cause precipitation.

 

[jedimasterben]

No, the magnesium storm only happens with the silicate dosing. I'm basically looking to do a 'DIY' KZ Sponge power.

Thanks Randy

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

No, the magnesium storm only happens with the silicate dosing. I'm basically looking to do a 'DIY' KZ Sponge power.

Thanks Randy

Yes, I misread your last sentence and deleted that comment from my post.