Clarification around KCL/NaCL

[Mordred]

A question for clarification on the following:

"For Potassium (K) - use No-Salt / Nu-Salt (KCL) - 1/4 tsp. per 20 gals. after water change. Or you can mix a stock solution and keep in the refrigerator. Mix 1tbsp. K2SO4 with tap water in a 300ml bottle. Shake WELL until dissolved and dose 10ml 2x week in a tank of 30 gal. and over and 1x week in a tank smaller than 30 gal."

I looked in my local stores in the UK and couldn't find this brand. All the brands that I found are 50% KCL and 50% NaCL - can these be used or does it have to be 100% NaCL? Havent managed to find K2SO4 anywhere.

 

[happychem]

Is it possible that this was posted elsewhere or under a different topic? I get the strongest feeling that I've already replied...

Anyway, to reiterate what I think I already may have said. What?

I don't think that the amount of salt being added is enought to cause any harm to any salt sensitive species, so using the mix is fine, but you'll have to double the recipe if it's exactly 50/50 KCl/NaCl to get the K up to the same levels.

edit: oh yeah, it was in the fert sticky.

 

[Mordred]

Happy - you did indeed reply.

I originally posted the question on the sticky around the KCL, for clarification, and you suggested that it should be posted on the main board, so...

here it is.

 

[happychem]

Yeah, I clued in after posting, I thought I was having a crazy-powerful moment of deja vue.

 

[djlen]

If you have a Home Depot or similar store in your area, look for water softeners. Home Depot sells one that is KCl. Check ingredients closely.

Or here: http://www.gregwatson.com/products.asp

Len

 

[Mordred]

Thanks Len.

I'm surprised how many products that seem to be common in the US are harder to track down here.

 

[Richer]

Definately check out your local Hardware store for water softening salt... I just picked up a 20 kg bag of pottassium chloride for 9 bucks CDN link. I'm sure you people on the other side of the pond should have something similar .

-Richer

 

[Mordred]

Will do - that sounds very likely.

Thanks.

 

[Skittyfish]

This is the same as K2SO4..right? Cause I am almost out.
Glad I checked the post .

 

[Bill Harada]

Skittyfish,

The water softener salts is KCL, not K2SO4.

K2SO4 seems to be harder to find unless you live in a very agricultural-based area. It doesn't seem to be a standard carry item in the local nurseries/hardware stores...at least in my area it isn't. I ended up ordering 5lbs of it from Greg Watson.

Bill