Dry Ferts

[taniner]

I've been using ADA all-in-one liquid ferts. I would very much like to try and start using dry ferts. Would someone help me by telling me what I would need and how I go about using dry ferts. I'm very new to planted tanks and thought I should take more control of my plants intake on nutrients. Sorry if it's a noob questions

Help would be much appreciated!
Thanks.

 

[pat w]

New guys are welcome here, that's what I found at least. As usual no dumb questions so no need to apologize.

First go Here.
http://www.barrreport.com/forumdisplay.php/67-Are-you-new-to-aquatic-plants-Start-here

Read the stickies from 2007 - they'll get you started.

Then read up on the Estimative Index (another major forum here). That's where you'll find the info to help you with the ferts.

Take it slow and easy and the learning curve won't seem so steep.

Pat

 

[Matt F.]

You'll need:

Potassium Nitrate (N)
Monopotassium phosphate (P)
(both together provide enough K~potassium)

CSM+B or other micro ferts

If you have soft water, you'll need some gh booster (barr's gh booster)

All can be had at this wonderful site:
http://www.aquariumfertilizer.com/index.asp?Option1=cats&Edit=2&EditU=1&Regit=2

Here is how to use them:
http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/2819-EI-light-for-those-less-techy-folks

In addition to injected co2 I dose glutaraldehyde (aka seachem flourish excel) to keep the algae at bay.

 

[taniner]

Great. Thanks for the tips!

 

[pat w]

In addition to injected co2 I dose glutaraldehyde (aka seachem flourish excel) to keep the algae at bay.

Here's a good thread on APC on the use of alternate sources of Glutaraldehyde.

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/south-western-ohio-aquatic-plant-enthusiasts/31615-glutaraldehyde-instead-excel.html

Pat

 

[taniner]

when they say...
+/- 1/8 tsp KNO3 (N) 3x a week

you just sprinkle it into the tank?

 

[Jim Miller]

yup

jim

 

[Gerryd]

when they say...
+/- 1/8 tsp KNO3 (N) 3x a week

you just sprinkle it into the tank?

Many mix it in a glass or bucket of water first..is what I do.....

 

[Matt F.]

when they say...
+/- 1/8 tsp KNO3 (N) 3x a week

you just sprinkle it into the tank?

I know several people that do just that. Straight in the tank (powder form). I use a mortar and pestle to grind it up and mix with water first. SOmetimes, when in a rush, I just dump em in.

 

[taniner]

Great. Think I will be giving this a try. Is this dry fert method better than using those all in one liquid type of ferts? This dry fert method seems to last a lot longer for the money since you're buying it by the pound and only using a tiny fraction of it at a time.

 

[fjf888]

Great. Think I will be giving this a try. Is this dry fert method better than using those all in one liquid type of ferts? This dry fert method seems to last a lot longer for the money since you're buying it by the pound and only using a tiny fraction of it at a time.

Yes, the liquid types are virtually all water, you're paying $$ for the water when you could be paying pennies for the actual active ingredients.

 

[taniner]

I was curious... 1lb of each of the ferts for a ADA 60p thank which is about 18 gallons. How long will it last me?

 

[Matt F.]

I was curious... 1lb of each of the ferts for a ADA 60p thank which is about 18 gallons. How long will it last me?

1 lbs of kno3 has lasted me 2+ years in a 55 Long and a mini-M. I just opened up my new pound of kno3 this past week. Phosphate will last a long long long time. So will the micros.
This will last you longer in a 60P.

 

[taniner]

Made my first order of dry ferts from http://www.aquariumfertilizer.com/
Thank you for all the useful help and tips!

 

[Matt F.]

Made my first order of dry ferts from http://www.aquariumfertilizer.com/
Thank you for all the useful help and tips!

Congrats on your purchase! You'll love it. Your plants will love it, too!

 

[taniner]

got my dry ferts in!
When dosing... is it best to stagger them throughout the week or can I put all three of them once one time three times a week?

 

[Matt F.]

You'll need:

Potassium Nitrate (N)
Monopotassium phosphate (P)
(both together provide enough K~potassium)

CSM+B or other micro ferts

If you have soft water, you'll need some gh booster (barr's gh booster)

All can be had at this wonderful site:
http://www.aquariumfertilizer.com/index.asp?Option1=cats&Edit=2&EditU=1&Regit=2

Here is how to use them:
http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/2819-EI-light-for-those-less-techy-folks

In addition to injected co2 I dose glutaraldehyde (aka seachem flourish excel) to keep the algae at bay.

Read the second link. Tells you how to dose and why.