Dry start method: more prescisions please

[jonny_ftm]

Hi,

I'll start in 1-2 weeks my rectangular 11gal (43L) dry.
Flourite Sand Black, 2x11W PC fluo

When I regularely add the water, should I dose it with NO3 and PO4 and waht dosage?

Also, covering the tank a bit is enoug or the plants must be sprayed with water many times a day?

Many thanks for your help

 

[jonny_ftm]

Sorry to insist
I will get the tank on Wednesday and will start it

Already got the plants: P. Helferi, Crypts, E. Tenellus, some Anubia and java moss

Please, advice me how to add PO4 and NO3 to my Flourite black sand

 

[jonny_ftm]

I made some math:

What do you think if I add some 300ppm NO3 and 45ppm PO4 in the filling water to start with. It should provide enough N and P for 10 weeks using EI maximum uptake. Than, I use distilled water to compensate evaporation and maybe at 5-6 weeks, I could add some N-P to avoid a massive drop in concentrations

I also read that too much PO4 in a soil could be worst than too low and that some forms are better than others. All this is confusing for me.

By the way, I'll be using water and mulm from my established tank

Please help me Tom

 

[Tom Barr]

I'd just use some ferts in the spray bottle and fill the water up to the top of the gravel.

I'd add about 1/4 of the ppms you have for the filling water and then some tank water from the other aquariums to spray or slightly richer etc.

Spray 2-3 x a week or so.

Regards,
Tom barr

 

[jonny_ftm]

Many thanks Tom for your help,

It could be my English, but what you meant is:
- I add 1/4 of the ppms I planned to use (so around 70ppm N and 10ppm P) in the water to fill with
- Spray with water from my tank, eventually slightly enriched

I got it right?

I really appreciate your help.

 

[Tom Barr]

you have it right, even with my odd way of writing

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[jonny_ftm]

You're so kind. I realize I could burn my plants root with my dosing assumptions

Next week it will be started and I'll put the photos and details

Thank you again