PRO SiO2 Test – silicate test

This silicate test is for keepers of freshwater community tanks, planted aquariums, marine aquariums, Lake Malawi and Tanganyika setups, and garden ponds. Silicate levels depend on the local tap water, which can carry different amounts of dissolved silicate depending on the region's geology, so the source water should be tested before it goes into the system.

Why it matters

• Silicate is a nutrient for diatoms, certain aquatic plants and silica-based sponges and other invertebrates, so its level directly affects the biology of the system.
• Tap water silicate content varies by region because it comes from weathering of silicate rocks and enters surface and groundwater.
• The reference ranges differ by system type: 0–2.0 mg/l for freshwater and ponds, and 0–1.0 mg/l for marine aquariums.
• In Lake Malawi and Tanganyika tanks with algae-eating fish, silicate is not a concern, because those fish readily eat diatoms. Without such fish, the same 0–2.0 mg/l target applies.

Specifications

• Brand: JBL
• Model: JBL TEST SIO2
• EAN: 4014162241184
• Test type: silicate (SiO2)
• Recommended silicate range, freshwater community tanks: 0–2.0 mg/l
• Recommended silicate range, Lake Malawi/Tanganyika tanks without algae-eating fish: 0–2.0 mg/l
• Recommended silicate range, planted aquariums with few fish: 0–2.0 mg/l
• Recommended silicate range, marine aquariums: 0–1.0 mg/l
• Recommended silicate range, garden ponds: 0–2.0 mg/l
• Weight: 0.07 kg

What it works with

The test suits freshwater community aquariums, planted aquascapes with a small fish population, marine tanks and garden ponds. Use it alongside your other water parameter tests, especially when diagnosing algae problems or when setting up a new tank with untested tap water.