Brightwell Aquatics SpongExcel
Silica solution for improved
growth rate of Sponges, Bivalves,
and Gastropods
• Ionic silica solution for enhancing growth rates of sponges and
gastropods.
• 1 drop per gallon of water increases ionic silica concentration by
~0.20 ppm.
• May be employed in silica-limited systems stocked with sponges to
improve water quality by increasing the rate of natural latent organic
material uptake by these organisms.
• May be used to increase the rate of sponge growth in marine systems
housing spongivorous fishes such as marine angelfishes, butterflyfishes,
and their allies, providing them with greater access to their natural
foods.
• Formulated by a marine scientist.
Technical Background:
Silica is an important nutrient in seawater; it is required by many
organisms (primarily diatoms and sponges in terms of total silica
uptake) for the production of biomass, and is linked with the uptake of
other nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, by these organisms.
Sponges and diatoms can be significant nutrient sinks, and marine
aquaria stocked with sponges, in particular, can benefit with the
controlled addition of a silica solution. The natural seawater
concentration of total silica is ~2.8 ppm, however this concentration
varies by depth and region and is likely to be excessive in most marine
aquaria. Rather than attempt to maintain this concentration in an
aquarium, it is advisable to begin at a very low concentration (e.g.
0.05 ppm) and gradually increase this with time as the rate of silica
uptake in the system dictates. Systems with considerable sponge growth
tend to be silica-limited, therefore maintaining a silica concentration
of ~1 - 2 ppm is likely to be of benefit. Additionally, diatom growth
may have a significant impact on the rate of natural latent organic
material uptake and recycling in marine aquaria, leading to improved
water quality; diatoms are also a valuable food source for various
grazing fishes and motile invertebrates. We are certainly not advocating
that diatoms should be encouraged to grow unchecked in order to help
improve water quality, however these organisms, in addition to sponges,
can be a valuable part of a natural ecosystem that converts latent
organic material into desirable biomass and supports greater
biodiversity in closed marine aquaria through the maintenance of diatom-
and sponge-grazing organisms.
Instructions and Guidelines:
Determine the silica concentration in the aquarium using an accurate
test kit before supplementing. Identify all sources of silica in the
aquarium (e.g. fresh water, salt mix, etc.) before determining a rate of
dosing for this supplement. Begin with a dosage of 1 drop per 20
US-gallons per day, which will increase the silica concentration in this
volume by ~0.01 ppm. Observe sponges for signs of growth improvement
for at least two weeks, which may be significant enough to notice within
the first week of dosing. Allow two weeks at this dosage before
increasing the dosing volume; increase dosage by up to 10% per week as
the perceived silica requirements of the organisms dictate. Maintaining
the silica concentration in a range of 0.5 - 2.0 ppm will generally
suffice for most systems; in general, the greater the biomass of
silica-dependant organisms and the more available other necessary
nutrients are, the greater the demand for soluble silica becomes. If
diatom growth becomes abundant, discontinue dosing for 3 - 4 days and
then resume dosing at a lower dosage. Note that daily, rather than less
frequent, dosing is strongly recommended, as adding a large amount of
soluble silica to any marine aquarium all at once is highly likely to
result in a diatom bloom. Each ml of Brightwell Aquatics SPONGEXCEL will
increase the concentration of soluble silica [SiO] in 1 US-gallon
(3.785 L) of water by ~4 ppm, or ~0.20 ppm per drop. Determine the
required daily dosing rate (recommended to weekly dosing) by measuring
the aquarium's [SiO Silica Solution for Sponges] at the same time each
day over a one- to two-week period. Estimate the volume of water in the
entire aquarium system; divide the daily decrease in [SiO] by 0.20;
multiply this number by the volume of water in the system to get the
daily dosage required (drops) to maintain a stable [SiO]. Caution:
Silica solutions are caustic; in case of contact flush skin and/or eyes
with fresh water for 15 minutes. Drink 16-oz. fruit juice if swallowed
and seek immediate medical attention. Wear protective eyewear and gloves
when handling. Keep out of reach of children.
Not for human
consumption.
Guaranteed Analysis: Silica (min) 15,140 ppm.
Ingredients:
Purified water, Sodium metasilicate.