Reducing Silicates (Without GFO?)

[nano reef]

Just a reminder to folks that Triton and Salifert tests detect different things in the water.

Any actual diatoms in the water tested will give a signal for Si by Triton since its silica structure breaks up in the plasma into silicon atoms, but is not detected by a silicate test.

so how do you test silicates in the water? I have been reading reviews on salifert and most all say undected but red sea has much higher ratings of detecting. What is all this about booster pumps and a not sure which cartridge is the di one.

I have the 4 stage BRS I believe but has 3 canister's and a membrane type filter on top.. I think I bought the pressure gauge but never hooked it up because I mainly just bought it for the tds meter that came with the set.

Hopefully I cant find it now. How does psi effect silicates in rodi water and what can I do to get it out of my rodi water and verify that its gone?

Is there any product besides gfo or purigan phospate removers that get it out of your water? I dont know why some po4 removers say removes silicates and others dont. I asked you if brs gfo did since it dosnt say and you said they are pretty much all the same. I keep hearing rowaphos and two little fishes brand. I just changed mine and also bought a brand new batch and it aint cheap! lol

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I would not expect Purigen to be useful, but do think GFO and aluminum oxide (such as phosguard) to do so.

I tested silicate years ago with a Hach kit, Model SI-7, catalog number 22550-00.

A second di can help remove silicate. But traces may always be present and are not themselves a cause of pest levels.