Multitest SILICATE

MultiTest Silicate Seachem – Silicate test for marine and freshwater aquariums

MultiTest Silicate Seachem is a colorimetric test kit designed to accurately measure dissolved silicate concentration in marine or freshwater aquariums. It allows for fine detection down to less than 0.5 mg/L and serves as an essential tool for controlling diatom algae, particularly in reef aquariums.

Main Features

Role and Importance of Silicate in Aquariums

Natural seawater contains on average about 10 mg/L of silicate. In marine and reef aquariums, it is recommended to maintain a concentration of 1 mg/L or less to limit the development of diatom algae.

Silicate is not toxic to fish or invertebrates, but an excess strongly favors diatom blooms. In freshwater, silicate is generally not a critical parameter, with natural concentrations often varying between 4 and 20 mg/L.

Measurement Ranges and Precision

Test Method

The test measures soluble silicate present in the water through a colorimetric reaction. The coloration obtained is proportional to the silicate concentration and is read by comparison with the provided color chart using the multi-cavity test plate.

Results are expressed in silicate concentration. To convert the value to silicon, simply multiply the measured value by 0.3.

Validation with Reference Solution

Using the reference solution is not mandatory to perform the tests. However, it allows verification of the kit's reliability by conducting a test with the reference sample instead of aquarium water.

Kit Contents