Testing: Silicon / Silica

[Nick Kohrn]

I have noticed that there are some test kits, like that of Salifert, that test for silicates. Then, I have seen tests from Triton and AI that test for silicon.

Are these the same items being tested when utilizing these tests? I have tried to see if I can find the answer for myself, but I am severely lacking any working-knowledge of chemistry.

I am confused as to the difference, if there is any. I assume there is because of the suffixes, but I would love to know what I am missing.

 

[Speedy]

Have look at this pdf if you can read it

 

[Nick Kohrn]

Have look at this pdf if you can read it

Thanks for the reference!

If I am understanding correctly, when tests are performed, such as those from Triton and AI, they are testing for silicon, the element. When tests are performed, such as those from Salifert, they are testing for silica, which is, in laymans terms, silicon and oxygen?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Test like Hach and Salifter detect only silicate/silicic acid and perhaps a few oligomers of silicate (a few attached together).

Triton will detect any chemical form of silicon, including just sand if there is any in the water, but short of particulate SiO2, it will primarily be silicate/silicic acid in seawater.