Macro Nutrient Dosing

[sophos9]

Hi, I'm looking to start dosing KN03 and KH2P04 in a bid to increase growth in my tank. I have a 40g tank but am using dosage info (converted from US) for a 20g due to my lighting only being 1.8WPG

This is it:
0.6ml KN03 (N) 3x a week
0.15ml KH2P04 (P) 3x a week

Any comments appreciated as I'm a newb

 

[lljdma06]

Does this tank have CO2 injection? That will help plant growth and you may not have to dose macros depending on your stocking levels. I have a planted 36g with 1.86WPG, and CO2 injection, but I don't dose macros because of my higher stocking levels. This, however, has just been my experience and there are certainly other ways of doing things.

llj

 

[sophos9]

Hi, thanks for the reply...

Yes it has pressurised CO2 with a target of >25ppm. I'm introducing around 60 new stems to combat a fuzz algae outbreak so thought macros could help. Fish stocking is low currently (view to significantly increase over the next few months)

 

[sophos9]

I dosed macros tonight using the above measurements... lets hope I dont have an algae farm growing!

What 'instruments' can I use to measure such fine measurements? I used a 2.5ml medicine spoon tonight but want to get something a little more accurate?

 

[sophos9]

Ended up mixing up 500ml and will start dosing 36ml - this will give the necessary mixture!

 

[zig]

sophos if you explain your intended dosing in ppm terms people will be able to point you in the right direction a lot easier, I don't understand dosing 0.6ml or 36ml of what exactly??

 

[sophos9]

Sorry, I had to convert the dosage into something that I could measure

So
0.6ml KN03 = 1/8tsp
0.15ml KH2P04 = 1/32tsp

16 doses (figure to bring it to the nearest accurate measure I have) will result in
9.6ml KN03
2.4ml KH2P04

Storing these in 500ml of water / 16 doses = 31ml dosage

I'm looking to hit no more than 1.0ppm PO4

 

[Dave Spencer]

Use a syringe with graduations on it to accurately add a dose to your tank. Most Pharmacists sell them.

What calculator are you using to mix your ferts? You will find life much easier if you make it up so that 1ml = 1ppm for example. For my phosphates, 1ml = 0.2ppm becuse I had trouble getting it to dissolve at higher concentrations.

Dave.

 

[sophos9]

Dave, can you help please....

You know my tank, I'm using the EI method but at half dose to allow for my low tech lighting, I was looking to start out low and see how the plants react then slowly increase the dosage until I can see that the plants are thriving then keep the tank stabilised

What do you think I should do?

 

[Dave Spencer]

With a new dosing regime it is best to start off below target and slowly build up as the plant metabolism accelerates and they are able to take up macros efficiently.

It is a little suck it and see at first. Are your plants pearling yet?

Dave.

 

[sophos9]

Cheers, I'm starting 50% off recommended...

Now the Co2 is sorted and things are running right, I'm now watching the plants pearling (the riccia is amazing - like a bed of bubbles!!)

 

[Dave Spencer]

Good stuff!

My 120l had a major overhaul and replant on Wednesday and I have only just started to get the pearling going again.