RO/DI + Silicates

[RWillieK]

I have been purchasing RO water from the LFS, but I am having cyano problems possibly due to silicates(??) or phosphates(??). I have been feeding less, and doing 5 gallon water changes per week on a 40 long.

Would running the RO water through one of the DI units sold as "tap water filters" remove the problem causing agents?

I'm looking to buy a RO/DI unit for myself soon, but the add on DI unit may be the extent of it right now.

Robbie

 

[lars m]

Silicate seems to be a major component for cyano.

Coming from Denmark, where we have silicate levels at 200 in our water. Using silicate removals (tap water filters/Reinstwasserfilters in german) seem to have decreased the problems for many of us.

I would certainly try it out.
Best wishes.

 

[Anonymous]

I didn't know Cyanobacter had any use for silicates.

Would running the RO water through one of the DI units sold as "tap water filters" remove the problem causing agents?

Yes, DI will remove Silicates and Phosphates.

 

[crackerbuzz]

Standard DI mixed bed rfesin will only pull silicates for a short period.

Silicate resin is what is required to remove siliocates long term.

I wasnt aware Cyano required silicates either.

 

[jumpincactus]

Diatoms are the silicate users. Not sure but I have never heard cyano using silicates either