Belgian Anthias
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As a result of increased nutrient supply, Si:N and Si
ratios have decreased in many coastal waters (Smayda, 1989, 1990; Turnerand Rabalais, 1991, 1994; Sommer, 1994; Justic et al., 1995). This usually leads to a shift from diatoms (a favorite food source for many marine herbivores) to small flagellates (which are often poor food) within the phytoplankton community (Schelske and Stoermer, 1971; Officer and Ryther, 1980).
For a saltwater aquarium it is generally recommended to keep the SI content as low as possible, which of course also has consequences for the Si ratios with the possible consequence that small changes in the availability of nitrogen and/or phosphorus have a proportionally much greater influence on the phythoplankton community , the development of dominance, the regular occurrence of outbreaks.
Most salt mixtures contain very little Si compared to natural seawater. Why? I don't think this is a good start. Most salt mixtures do not create an environment for organisms with a relatively high requirement for Si. The addition of Si must mainly come from the food provided. I believe a higher availability of Si will increase diversity, make the system less prone to domination, less sensitive to changes in nutrient availability and make our lives easier.
The question that is being asked is whether it is the right thing to do, to correct this through diet and in what way.
Users of natural seawater way help by sharing their experience concerning the issue.
ratios have decreased in many coastal waters (Smayda, 1989, 1990; Turnerand Rabalais, 1991, 1994; Sommer, 1994; Justic et al., 1995). This usually leads to a shift from diatoms (a favorite food source for many marine herbivores) to small flagellates (which are often poor food) within the phytoplankton community (Schelske and Stoermer, 1971; Officer and Ryther, 1980).For a saltwater aquarium it is generally recommended to keep the SI content as low as possible, which of course also has consequences for the Si ratios with the possible consequence that small changes in the availability of nitrogen and/or phosphorus have a proportionally much greater influence on the phythoplankton community , the development of dominance, the regular occurrence of outbreaks.
Most salt mixtures contain very little Si compared to natural seawater. Why? I don't think this is a good start. Most salt mixtures do not create an environment for organisms with a relatively high requirement for Si. The addition of Si must mainly come from the food provided. I believe a higher availability of Si will increase diversity, make the system less prone to domination, less sensitive to changes in nutrient availability and make our lives easier.
The question that is being asked is whether it is the right thing to do, to correct this through diet and in what way.
Users of natural seawater way help by sharing their experience concerning the issue.
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