Marine Pure and Silicates

[VJV]

Hi, last time I added a 8” Marine Pure block to my 200 gallon system silica had an immediate spike (ICP-OES Triton confirmed) and I had a diatom bloom for four weeks.

I want to add another block to my sump but was wondering what would be the best way to avoid another bloom. Should I leave the block in a bucket of salt water with a pump for a couple of weeks doing 100% water changes?

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Rinsing well may help, yes. Other than that there's not much you can do.

 

[VJV]

Thanks!

 

[VJV]

I guess what I would like would be to force the diatom bloom in a container outside my tank, so that diatoms would consume the silica available. Once it dies off I would be good to place in the main display. Makes sense?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You're welcome.

Let us know if you see a bloom again.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I guess what I would like would be to force the diatom bloom in a container outside my tank, so that diatoms would consume the silica available. Once it dies off I would be good to place in the main display. Makes sense?

Rinsing it off removes the silicate too. But the material is made of aluminum silicate. I'm not sure driving a bloom speeds the removal, but it might.