Source of N other than KNO3

Blinky

Blinky

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Jun 22, 2004
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I've looked everywhere. I mean everywhere - hardware stores, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Rona, Zellers and more. I haven't been able to find KNO3. So I came home, hopped online, and confirmed what I feared - KNO3 isn't available to anyone in Canada (unless you have your Blaster's Licence which, needless to say, I don't have!).
Can someone recommend a substitute? I've got an NPK fertilizer, so it's not something I need to find immediately, but I do want to be able to dose N, P and K separately since my plants use them up at different rates - usually N is the first to go.
 
There is some reluctance to provide it in large quantities to the average joe, but it never occurred to me that there may be an all out ban. hmmm.

When we were kids making smoke bombs, we got it from the pharmacy as 'saltpeter'.
 
I can check into canadian regulations today, but generally quantities below 5 pounds aren't viewed as an issue. If you repeatedly/ frequently buy it you will be monitored, otherwise there isn't usually a problem. A quick way to find out would be to contact Gregg Watson and ask if he is allowed to ship KNO3 to Canada. In my area it is very hard to find, but If I go out into the rural areas, most farm markets and Amish general stores have it.
Dave
 
Do they not sell Green Light Stump Remover in CAN?

Plants can secure Nitrogen from Ammonia very easily. If that was supplemented to the tank to perhaps a .05-.1 ppm daily, nothing would be affected. The organisms are already producing a little, and the plants would easily remove that small amount.

I have dosed with low amounts of ammonia before for short term fixes. It works fine.

It won't give you any potassium like KNO3 will though, and you should keep your pH below 6.8 or so.
 
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Blinky, where do you live in TO? I live in the Scarborough region and found a place that sells Traces, KNO3, K2SO4, and you can easily pick up a bag of MgSO4 + 7H2O at Shopper's Drug Mart (2 kg bag for 4.99).

It's a little shop called Jungle Hydroponics on Main and Gerrard.

Here's their site
Hydroponics.com
 
I went to the pharmacy yesterday and they looked at me like I was barking when I asked for Saltpeter. Apparantly 'reputable' pharmacies (their word not mine) don't carry it any more... :P to them, I say, I'm going to the hydroponics shop!

Darkblade48: Main & Gerrard is SO easy for me to get to, I will definitely check this place out - thanks so much!

happychem:... rural, you say? My parents have a farm, I never thought to ask them if they could get it at the local co-op!

daveedka, Len told me he called Gregg Watson and he does ship to Canada for a small fee.

Thanks for all the help you guys! :D
 
I haven't found the Canadian regulations, which means they probably aren't too strict. I e-mailed the ISEE (international society of Explosive engineers) but haven't received a response. since you have found that it is available I'll probably drop the hunt for now.
Dave
 
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