Can 0 TDS RODI water have high silicates?

[savanyo]

Recent Triton ICP-OES test of my tank water showed high Silicon (1089 µg/l) and the suggestions provided by Triton suggested checking my source water. I use RODI water with dual DI canisters. The RODI output shows 0 TDS and I though my water was good as a result. So is it possible for 0 TDS RODI water to have high Silicon/Silicates??

-John

 

[ReefkeeperZ]

Here is a great article on TDS, that may clarify thigs a bit.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-04/rhf/feature/index.php

 

[jda]

It is possible since there are uncharged forms of silica.

However, it is probably from your salt mix. What kind do you use?

 

[savanyo]

It is possible since there are uncharged forms of silica.

However, it is probably from your salt mix. What kind do you use?

This tank has been running for 15 years. For most of that time I have used the basic Instant Ocean, but last two years I started using HW-Marinemix Reefer Salt. I only do 3 20-40% water changes per year.

 

[ReefkeeperZ]

if you are only doing a couple water changes a year, even a tiny almost untestable amount in top off water adds up over time.

think of it as dropping five pennies in a jar at a time, your not going to wind up rich quick but over time you end up with a lot of pennies in that jar, even if every 4 months you take 20% of them out.

 

[outy]

So is it possible for 0 TDS RODI water to have high Silicon/Silicates??

-John

Not all O Tds water is good, water changes give ne GHA almost every water change for a few weeks/month

With that said, nuclear grade resin helps more with silicates than regular DI media.


I have made the switch and I'm getting ready to do a water change and will keep an eye on it.

 

[LQT]

I use a SpectraPure Silicabuster DI cartridge in the first stage of my dual stage DI set up after my RO membrane.

http://spectrapure.com/FILTERS-MEMB...r-DI-Cartridge-Non-Indicating-SuperDI-10-inch

 

[DesertReefT4r]

Mostly likely from your salt mix and long times between water changes. IO is ok and it works but IMO its the cheapset usable salt mix on the market, I would not go any lower in quality and perfer a better salt mix than IO. HW is a great company and makes an outstanding salt mix. I used HW Marine for a few years with great results and no trace element dosing just water changes.

 

[takayan]

Can TDS meter detect CHLORAMINES ?

 

[tkeracer619]

Can TDS meter detect CHLORAMINES ?

NO, chloramines are a combination of chlorine and ammonia. Both are gases so TDS cannot read them. Your system relies on specialized carbon blocks to break the chlorine/ammonia bond and absorb the chlorine component. The cation resin in your DI removes the ammonia component. Therefore it is best to ensure you have the right carbon and the proper DI.

To test for Chloramines requires two tests.

Total Chlorine in the waste water.
Total Ammonia post DI.

Are you having problems with chloramines? IME standard 10" carbon filters are useless for chloramines and the standard sized chloramine specific filters are only marginal.

 

[takayan]

Thank you for your help.
I did not know TDS meter does not detect certain things such as silica and CO2. Then, I remembered that BRS is selling chloramines filter, so I am wondering if TDS meter detects chloramines.
What is the best way if the water afeter RO/DI is good enough for reef tank.

NO, chloramines are a combination of chlorine and ammonia. Both are gases so TDS cannot read them. Your system relies on specialized carbon blocks to break the chlorine/ammonia bond and absorb the chlorine component. The cation resin in your DI removes the ammonia component. Therefore it is best to ensure you have the right carbon and the proper DI.

To test for Chloramines requires two tests.

Total Chlorine in the waste water.
Total Ammonia post DI.

Are you having problems with chloramines? IME standard 10" carbon filters are useless for chloramines and the standard sized chloramine specific filters are only marginal.

 

[tkeracer619]

I don't think superior uses chloramines but you can call your water company and ask.

 

[takayan]

I don't think superior uses chloramines but you can call your water company and ask.

Thank you for your advice.
I know this is little bit off topic, but what substances RO/DI filter cannot remove? I think Chloramines is the one based on Bulk Reef Supply. Is there any other things?

 

[savanyo]

Three stage DI

Three stage DI

I read that the Triton test for "Silicon" can't distinguish between soluble and insoluble silicon. So I ordered a Hach Silica Test Kit Model SI-7 to test for the source of soluble silicon.

I'm considering using a three stage DI filter on source water, first separate anion/cation resin and then a mixed resin cartridge. Silica is removed by only the anion resin. So maybe the dedicated anion cartridge will remove more silicate if tests show it coming from RO/DI.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/vide...ates-mixed-or-single-bed-di-resin-maybe-both/

 

[takayan]

I read that the Triton test for "Silicon" can't distinguish between soluble and insoluble silicon. So I ordered a Hach Silica Test Kit Model SI-7 to test for the source of soluble silicon.

I'm considering using a three stage DI filter on source water, first separate anion/cation resin and then a mixed resin cartridge. Silica is removed by only the anion resin. So maybe the dedicated anion cartridge will remove more silicate if tests show it coming from RO/DI.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/vide...ates-mixed-or-single-bed-di-resin-maybe-both/

thank you for your information!