Pmdd

[j1a7y]

Has anybody tried this route and if so, did you have success using it? is there any drawbacks?

I am new to plated tanks and trying to find an easy(lazy/cheap/fast) way to fert.

Thanks!

 

[Gerryd]

Hi,

I have not used the PMDD (poor man's dosing drop) method, but EI will work well for you.

threads are below for more info, but in summary:

We use dry powder ferts for our macros. You just mix with water and dump in the tank water. You can dose daily, 2x, or 3x per week as per your schedule. You can use MORE OR LESS than the thread recommends based on your configuration, plant mass, etc. You need to do 50% weekly water changes which will reset the nutrient level in the tank so you don't get a large accumulation of nutrients.

However, you would need to really overdose to cause issues for the plants and fish in the tank.

Here is a nice thread that speaks to EI and other methods including PMDD:

http://www.barrreport.com/co2-aquatic-plant-fertilization/3205-fertilizer-routines-one.html

and one easy one for EI that is within the above thread:

http://www.barrreport.com/estimative-index/2819-ei-light-those-less-techy-folks.html

and here is a place to get the dry ferts:

Welcome to Planted Aquarium Fertilizer

Please review these threads and come back with any questions.

BTW, are you using or planning on adding c02 either DIY (yeast/sugar method) or via pressurized c02? This makes a huge difference in plant growth.

I hope this helps a bit.

 

[j1a7y]

Thanks for the reply.

I have a 20g and a 5g. right now i'm using equilibrium and excel for ferts. I've been reading about the EI method but i just could figure out which ones i need and that is why im leaning to PMDD method.

 

[Tom Barr]

EI is just modified PMDD, which can be done dry or daily liquids etc, the ranges and rates are upped and there's KH2PO4 added, some GH booster(K2SO4 + Ca/Mg).

Otherwise pretty similar.

Regards,
Tom Barr