calvin.m16
Well-Known Member
AgSil 16 H.Thank you friend. Is there any bulk silica powder you recommend as I'm only familiar with protekt?
https://scienceinhydroponics.com/2023/02/common-questions-about-silicon-in-nutrient-solutions.htmlThe recommendation with AgSil 16H would be to prepare a stock solution at 15g/gal and then using this solution at a rate of 38mL/gal of final solution (injection rate of 1%). To increase the stability of your AgSil 16H concentrate you can add 1g/gal of KOH (POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE). The end addition to your solution will be +9.8ppm of Si as elemental Si and +11.55ppm of K. The KOH addition and low 15g/gal concentration ensures that silicate will already be largely present as monomeric silicate anions.
Second, make sure to add this solution to your water first. If you add this solution after nutrients, the Si will come into contact with Ca and Mg in its concentrated form, which will cause problems with its stability in solution. Add it first, then add your lowest pH fertilizer concentrate, then your Ca containing concentrate, then finally decrease the pH with an acid to the desired level if needed.
This procedure ensures you get a final solution containing monosilicic acid that will be stable. If you increase the Si in the stock solution, change the injection order, or increase the Si in the end solution beyond 20ppm of Si as elemental Si you might end up with precipitated and unavailable Si forms.
Congratulations now you can produce gallons of monosilicic acid for a few dollars where a bottle of it from some company like Power Si charge ~$500/gal.
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