I am ready to go dry ferts but need som info

prober · Jan 14, 2011

I have read the stickys and other threads and have the basic idea and there is a feed store less than 1/4 mile from me so I want to just go there rather than do the mail order thing. I do have a couple questions though.

First, I have flourish for micros and Excel as well as DIY co2. What other ferts should I get and what form should they be in? Is it as simple as asking for N, P and K? Forgive my ignorance, I just don't want to get the wrong stuff.

Second, I assume I eventually will need a test kit for these levels but it will be a while before I make the 200 mile trip to a city large enough to possibly have them in stock and the mail order thing is kinda spendy on shipping. Will using the EI method get me close enough until spring when I will be making a trip to a large city and what tests are good for this stuff?

Left C · Jan 15, 2011

For N and K dosing, use KNO3
For P dosing use KH2PO4
For K dosing (if needed), use K2SO4
Some folks use a "GH Booster" to dose Ca, Mg, K and some even add Fe and Mn with it as well. If you use this, you may not need K2SO4. If your GH is high, you may not to dose any GH Booster. You may even be getting enough K from KNO3, but it probably would hurt if you dosed K2SO4. Even if your GH is high, you could still be low in Mg. In this case, you can dose Epsom Salt [FONT=&quot](MgSO4 • 7H2O).[/FONT]

There are also many other compounds that you can use for dosing N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, etc. Check out the fertilator over at APC to see the options.

If I were you, I would get the correct ferts from a mail order company and be done with it. You'll know that you are getting the correct products. Here's a good place: http://aquariumfertilizer.com/

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

You may not even need to go to "full EI." Tom has some other dosing methods that may suit you much better.

plantbrain said:
Since it is a non CO2 method of water column dosing, this thread would be more appropriate for the given goals.

http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/2817-Non-CO2-methods

If you like Excel:
http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/4266-Hybrid-methods-fusing-dry-start-excel-with-non-CO2

Various methods suit various goals, no one method will be able to meet all management goals. They are based on the rates of growth and ease of labor.

I have no intent of trying to sway anyone to CO2 or not........that is their choice based on the goals they have. Given that, I would not suggest using EI.

I have non CO2 tanks myself.

Regards,
Tom Barr

dbosman · Jan 15, 2011

Root tabs might be a good solution for you.
The ones I recommend are Jobe's Palm and Fern spikes.
30 in a pack for $2.29 at my local hardware store. You break them into 1/3s and use each piece as you would one root tab. A decent size sword gets three of the 1/3s, spaced around the plant a couple of inches from the plant. One every four inches on a grid will do well and is simple to deal with.

prober · Jan 15, 2011

Thanks guys. I also have a hydroponics store here so I might see what they have also.

jawasnack · Jan 16, 2011

dbosman said:
Root tabs might be a good solution for you.
The ones I recommend are Jobe's Palm and Fern spikes.
30 in a pack for $2.29 at my local hardware store. You break them into 1/3s and use each piece as you would one root tab. A decent size sword gets three of the 1/3s, spaced around the plant a couple of inches from the plant. One every four inches on a grid will do well and is simple to deal with.

What a great idea! I never thought of using Jobe's Palm and Fern spikes!
what precautions should I take if I want to try using them in a moderately planted low light/low tech community fish 36gal tank?

prober · Jan 16, 2011

The only problems I have heard of with the root spikes is if you disturb them they can make a mess.

dundadundun · Jan 18, 2011

prober said:
The only problems I have heard of with the root spikes is if you disturb them they can make a mess.

try root medic (left c posted the link up there ^^^), fertcicles or the recipe in the sticky for diy root tabs. can't go wrong, really.


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I am ready to go dry ferts but need som info

prober

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