Trace Elements

[Spiceweasel69]

I done a lot of research as to the dosing of macronutrients, but i cant find anything to tell me how much the aquaessentials trace elements mix (when in stock solution) is putting into my tank. Ie. Will iron need topping up, and also there is no magnesium in the mix which is essential for chlorophyll production. Do i have to buy it separate and make up stock?

 

[George Farmer]

I've asked Richard from Aquaessentials a similar question regarding iron in the Trace elements mix, I know he sells Iron sulphate seperately - http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=126255&hl=

I'd suggest you will only need to worry about adding iron if you are experiencing deficiency symptoms i.e. yellowing of leaves.

Do you have a high growth set-up i.e. lots of planting, light, CO2 etc?

Magnesium is normally present in sufficient quantities via tap water if it is harder than approx 4dGH.

 

[Spiceweasel69]

Just started with co2, so off to get some dry ferts today. Lighting is fine, Juwel Vision 240 with 2x 38w daylight (triplus)

ta anyway ill try to contact aquaessentials,.

 

[George Farmer]

Lighting is fine, Juwel Vision 240 with 2x 38w daylight (triplus)

Are you sure you'll need to dose dry ferts? I assume you're talking about KNO3 and KH2PO4?

With your current lighting (1.2 WPG) you may not experience enough nutrient uptake (growth rate) to justify adding extra nitrates and phosphates. Have you tested your tap water? Sometimes this may contain sufficient quantities. Often the fish and fish food can also provide enough nutrients.

You may be interested to hear that a good friend of mine runs a similar set-up. A heavily planted Juwel Rio 240 with the same lighting levels as yourself and pressurized CO2. His tapwater contains some nitrate and phosphate. He only fertilises with Plantex CSM+B imported from gregwatson.com and has good results, pearling plants and no algae.

 

[Spiceweasel69]

Lighting is fine, Juwel Vision 240 with 2x 38w daylight (triplus)

Are you sure you'll need to dose dry ferts? I assume you're talking about KNO3 and KH2PO4?

With your current lighting (1.2 WPG) you may not experience enough nutrient uptake (growth rate) to justify adding extra nitrates and phosphates.

Yeah but remember you dont need 2+wpg for bigger tanks. Yeah i mean the dry ferts youre talking about. Plant growth is slow, and theyre yellowish, lots of leaves in water etc

 

[George Farmer]

Yeah but remember you dont need 2+wpg for bigger tanks.

This is true but 1.2 WPG in a 240L (63 US G) may still not be enough light to give you the required growth to justify dosing N and P. It is after all, only 2 x T8 tubes - WPG aside.

I'm not saying don't buy the dry ferts - just be wary that you may not need to dose. Obviously you will only be able to tell by testing for NO3 and PO4. I assume these are both very low? Have you tested your tap water? What bio-load (fish) do you have?

Regarding your plant growth - what plants do you have and which are failing in particular? Do you currently fertilise with anything (except CO2)?