Different forms of fertilizers

[Mooner]

Locally available and cheap form of KNO3. It is pelleted with a NPK of 13.75-0-46.Will need to weigh it out to match to the powdered form. Any reason this wouldn't work? Is something used to keep it in pellet form? Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Gerryd]

Can you post the brand name so we can look it up?

I would say there has to be something like clay to keep it in pellet form, unless it is simply machine pressure that squeezes them together?

I missed the one about how to make these on Discovery Ultimate Factory lol

 

[ccLansman]

i would be careful of any forms of nitrate that comes from ammonium. should be on the back label as to how they derive the kno3

 

[Mooner]

Brand is K-power. The source of N is nitrate and is stated on the bag. From what I've read the prill process is the heating of the chemical to its melting point and cooled as it passes through a prilling machine. Could not find any mention of a coating.

 

[ccLansman]

does it seem like you could use the pellets for gravel ferts? or does it dissolve quickly in water?

 

[Mooner]

Well this may not very scientific but here is what I did.

30ml of tap water which I added 1/8 level tsp in a glass and stirred with a plastic spoon like stirring your coffee.

100% dissolution in 75 seconds. Pretty fast, don't think it will last for long in the substrate.

The cost is $11 for 25kg. (55 lbs) thats .20 cents a pound! I will put it in to use and notify of any issues.

 

[VaughnH]

My guess is that it is in the pellet form for better distribution by farm fertilizing machines. I don't see why it would be a problem if used in an aquarium.