SilicatEx removes silicate from fresh and marine water aquariums. It removes from the main nutrients the unwanted diatom algae (brown coatings), which often appear after freshwater has been added. SilikatEx Rapid also removes phosphate etc. and thus curbs the growth of other algae. The filter material creates biotope-like living conditions.

Diatoms (often called Brown Algae) form a brown coating on plants, substrate and decor. Brown Algae is formed primarily when when your water contains more than 0.4 mg/l silicic acid/silicates (SiO2). The silicic acid is often found naturally in tap water. Diatoms (brown algae) use silicate to form their skeletal structure. So in order to combat the algae, just remove the silicic acid from the water and they will be unable to grow or form.

Diatoms are neither toxic nor harmful. They even form a part of the natural diet of grazing cichlids in Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika. But as algae form brownish coatings which are regarded as unattractive we tend to remove them from our aquariums. Often confused with slime algae, both algal groups can look very similar. But when you rub them between your fingers you can feel the difference: slimy algae feel greasy-slimy, whereas diatoms feel rough.

Aquacadabra acts as credit broker/intermediary and not as a lender.

Klarna's credit products are provided by Klarna Bank AB, which is authorised and regulated by the Swedish Financial Services Authority, with limited supervision by the Financial Conduct Authority. More information can be found here.

Newpay finance options are provided through Deko’s platform by NewDay. P.D. Aquatics Ltd, t/a Aquacadabra is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Pay4Later Ltd, t/a Deko, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (ref no 728646) and is a credit broker, not a lender. NewDay Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (ref no 690292) and is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 for the provision of payment services (ref no 555318). More information can be found by clicking the newpay option above, or in the Newpay FAQs.

We really want you to be happy with the product that you've received. If however, when the goods arrive they're not what you want, then no problem - we have a 60 day no quibble return guarantee. Just let us know that you're going to return the item(s) by contacting us(stating your Order Number) and complete the returns packing slip that will have been included with your delivery. This will help us to quickly identify the item that you have returned (unopened and unused) - and we'll put a refund through for you.