But, the $64,000 question is - where does that silicon come from?
Hi Everyone,
Well, the source of silicon is the tap/tank water - unless anyone can suggest an alternative/additional source. But, I've been digging into this somewhat deeper. It appears that there are three elements that are critical to the growth of diatoms, one being silicon. The other two are - not surprisingly, nitrogen and phosphorus.
"Phosphorus is seen as the nutrient that most likely to limit primary production in freshwaters"*.
"In many situations nitrogen may well be the limiting nutrient"*.
As most, if not all the research has been carried out on lakes and rivers, the classification of such waters typically ranges from oligotrophic to eutrophic. And, on this basis, the phosphorus concentration is from <0.015 to 0.055 mg/l (ppm). Converting this to phosphate figures (as measured by test kits), I make this a phosphate range from <0.05 to 0.17 mg/l (ppm).
Now some additional information:
"The ratio between Si and P, and the ratio between Si and N, determines which algae is (dominantly) present in the water. In natural waters, diatoms are often dominant in the spring (March-May). Their dominance is usually ended when all silicate is used and stored in the diatoms. When the diatom “bloom” collapses, it is often followed by the dominance of other (non-diatom) algae. The effects of an increased silicate concentration can be: - Shifts in algae species composition. Additional silicate will increase the Si/P and Si/N ratio in the water, thus creating conditions more favorable for diatoms; - Increased algae biomass. As mentioned, the development of diatoms in the spring is usually ended when silicate is depleted"**.
That's as far as I've got.
I'd like to make a personal request. If anyone is interested in trying to work together towards a
team solution on this topic, then please do so. I'm no more qualified than anyone else to solve the diatom outbreak problem. But, wouldn't it be nice if we could
collectively advance our knowledge of this topic?
*
http://craticula.ncl.ac.uk/EADiatomKey/html/index.html (unfortunately, this website right now appears to be out of action
😡)
**
Water quality information - What are silicates and why are they in water? | APEC Water
JPC