KNO3,K2SO4, and other good things

[The Gipper]

I've finally set up a 120 (48x24x24) this past weekend - Onyx Sand, 2x175 watt MH, Wet Dry (thanks for the tips, Tom B), gas CO2. The tank is stocked heavy with plants.

As far as fish load: 7 Altum Angels will be its primary fish (in a quarantine tank right now), with a school or two of Cories.

I want to make sure I have KNO3, K2SO4 dosing correct. Below are some of the other water parameters:

82 deg F
pH 6.7 (maintained by CO2)
KH 3 (although I expect the Onyx to raise this a little)

I'm using Fluorish as my trace elements, adding according to directions.

Questions::

KNO3 - I have a Lamotte Nitrate test kit. I will try to maintain 10ppm NO3 (is this correct amount?) by adding KNO3. Is 1/4 tsp per 35 gal of water 3 times per week a good starting point?

K2SO4 - 1/4 tsp per 35 gal of water once a week a good starting point?

Should I be concerned with P, and if so what do I get to add P to the tank?

Could I go ahead and add the 7 Altums (half dollar body size) to this new tank assuming the plants will prevent any serious ammonia spike?

thanks in advance...Mark

[carpguy]

Here is a Tom Barr article on Recommended Levels and Parameters (http://www.sfbaaps.com/reference/barr_02_01.shtml).

Here is a nice dosage calculator (http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_dosage_calc.htm). Its set up to figure dosages in stock solutions. If you set it for a solution of 1ml you can calculate the dry dosage. For instance, it says .75 teaspoons of KNO3 will raise Nitrates by about 5ppm (5.67) in a 120g.

[Tempest]

I think you will want to refrain from adding the altums for a while. I think I'd add some Otos right about now and then in a week or so add a few cories.. Then add a few more cories the next week. I waited about a month after starting my tank before I added my angelfish. By then it was growing well.

[plantbrain]

Work on the plants first, get that whole thing going well first..............
Then after a month, add the fish.
Feed the fish a variety of food, do not feed them nothing but live worms etc.

Same applies to folks and Discus.

Your CO2 is too low also. 6.4-6.6 would be better(6.5 target).
Regards,
Tom Barr