View Full Version : dosing K2SO4
plah831
10-20-2006, 3:41 PM
How do you dose potassium sulfate? I bought a bag of the dry powder from Greg Watson and can't find instructions for how to use it. I read somewhere 1/4 tsp per 20 or 30 gallons. Does anyone know how much this increases K ppm?
phanmc
10-20-2006, 6:34 PM
Here's a calculator I use to achieve desired ppm.
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/fertilator.php?
djlen
10-21-2006, 12:57 AM
And in my view that's one of the best around. Be sure and check the numbers for the other macros to balance the K you'll be adding to your tank.
I just dump my dry nutrients right into the tank and most of them dissolve before they hit the bottom of the tank.:) I distract the fish to the other end before dumping, but it really doesn't matter. Even if they go after the dry stuff and taste it, they just spit it out and go about their business.
Actually, over time mine have learned that 3X a week I throw this white crap in their tank and ignore it pretty much.
Len
epicfish
10-21-2006, 3:46 AM
Go to the link provided and then check out the Fertilizer section of the forums. Read up on the EI dosing method and it should give you a pretty good idea of dosing NPK and micros for your tank. =)
Goatman
10-21-2006, 5:06 PM
If you're following EI, then KSO4 is not needed as the K in KNO3 and KPO4 is more than adequate for the job. If, however you're using another N fert, use the fertilator.
skiboarder72
10-22-2006, 9:17 AM
i put a pinch in every other day in my 26g, KNO3 will dose a decent amount of K but I do the K2SO4 to add a little too it as KNO3 is mainly for nitrates
Justlikeapill
10-22-2006, 11:55 AM
I dose 1/4 tsp. for my ten gallon nano.
Can you OD on potassium?
It is very difficult to overdose K, but best to follow suggested dosages on the fertilator(link provided above). As long as you are doing a weekly water change and dose within the guidelines dosing both KNO3 and K2SO4 are fine.
A reminder to dose a balanced regimen or algae issues could result.
Len
Goatman
10-22-2006, 4:14 PM
Don't forget to dose KPO4... It's just as important as KNO3.
I also add my dry ferts directly to the water.
On my 5 gal I just add it into the topfilter but my other tanks just go right in ...
i have to distract my fish though because my rainbows will eat anything and i dont think its a good idea to have fish eat Nitrate
Captain Hook
10-22-2006, 4:57 PM
I shake it in a container mixed with warm water with my other dry fertilizers (KNO3 and KH2PO4) and then pour it into the tank. You can also mix a solution of say 500 mL of water with K2SO4 and dose a certain amount of mL to your tank. It helps to have a digital scale with this.
According to the fertilator, 1/4 tsp will give you 8 ppm of potassium in 25 gallons of water.