High silicates = slow coral growth?

[plancton]

Hello, I have a high silicate problem. I have a good RO DI unit but the silicates from tap water are to high, so the filter needs constant replacement.

The problem with my high silicates is that there are many algae blooms.

But somebody told me that high silicates and high phosphates can lead to slow coral growth. Is this true?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The only thing that is known to happen from elevated silica is diatom growth. Diatoms are usually a golden brown. It should not enhance green algae nor deter corals that I've ever heard of.

This article has more:

Silica in a Reef Tank
http://advancedaquarist.com/issues/jan2003/feature.htm

 

[boxfishpooalot]

On the reef, silica is pretty much consitant. Phytoplankton can consist up to 80% floating diatoms(phytoplankton) wich use silica to build their beautifull outer shapes.It is said that diatoms have a major ecological impact on the carbon cycle, wich relates imo also to nutrient export. If diatoms are limited to silica they will not grow, or be very slow at reproduction at the least.

I suspect that people who dont use sodium silicate as a supplement lack the true benefits of phytoplankton export by skimming.

Randy uses sodium silicate on a regular basis.

Randy do you think that sodium silicate additons actually helps out alot with export? Im sure it contributes to somthing.

 

[plancton]

I only know one thing and one thing only knows me:

I have a lot of brown algae and diatoms on the glass.

 

[boxfishpooalot]

I dont consider diatoms a bad thing when growing on the glass. If its on your rocks and sand bed then you probably have other high nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates.

Maybee you need to buy a water distiller,as there are no replacement filters. And IIRC they are usually 100% pure water.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'd look to reduce the silica that might be in the top off water. That is the usual source of silicate for diatoms.