silica sands as silicate nutrients?

[mountainman]

My workplace uses significant amounts of silica sand, ranging from very small particle sizes (20 microns) to significantly larger (100-200 micron) and as such I can get access to a decent amount of it for free. Does anyone know if this would provide silicon for hydro plants sufficiently?

[Herbus]

Hi There,

20 Microns is still too large for absorbtion. There would be some break down over time but it's difficult to say just how much (dependent on PH, nutrient concentration ect). Checkout Prosilicate liquid although I don't know exactly the particulate size, it is much smaller than the sand you want to use. Good luck,

Herbus

[mountainman]

Well, I rounded up some Sodium Meta Silicate (NA2SiO3 * 9H20)
We use it to provide silicon to algae cultures, so it's pretty safe stuff. Would this work just fine? I can get it for free (just grabbed 40 grams). The person who uses it mixed it at 1 gram per liter, but that seems like it might be a bit steep. Any suggestions?

[Easy Roller]

To my knowledge ALL sand is Silica based......Not sure about blacker types though...


Sicate minerals are some of the most inert substances on the planet and It would take something drastic to liberate the silicone from it's super stable compound.


I think Liquid silicone is your best bet...and also the correct type and dosage.:thumbsup:

[Herbus]

Liquid silicon is added at the rate of 20-50 ppm to the nutient tank. Soluable Silicon that is used for algaes would be added at a similar rate. There is no real evidence that too much does any harm, but I would not go much above the 50 PPM.

Good luck,

Herbus