Common Nutrients and their levels?

A

Avonlea.PA

Wishing I was in PEI
Mar 21, 2003
27
0
0
57
Mechanicsburg, PA
Visit site
Can some post a list, or a link to a list, of the
nutrients needed for a thriving planted tank?

Also, what "generic" sources are available (ie: enema, stump remover) for these nutrients.

I've seen various posts here and there about stuff, but have not been able to find a comprehensive list.

Also, what are the test kits needed for a planted tank? I now have Nitrite, Nitrate, Ammonia, pH, kH. I beleive I need a PO4. Anything else?

Thanks!
 
The mighty Plantbrain has a good article on levels, tests, etc.

For macros I use Spectracide Stump Remover (nitrate), Fleet (Phosphate), and NuSalt (Potassium). I'm just now experimenting with a PMDD mix (no phosphates) to try to finally vanquish the algae (its in retreat, but stubborn). Probably get enough from the fish food anyways. Epsom salt will help boost a low GH, crushed coral a low KH. I use Flourish and Flourish Iron for traces. There are other manifestations of all this stuff depending on the sources, pharmacists, garden shops, hydroponics suppliers, etc. Potash of something or other, never could keep all the chemistry shorthand straight in my mind. Many notebooks…
 
Originally posted by TomFromStLouis
You use both stump remover and NuSalt? I figured since stump remover is potassium nitrate that it covered both bases. Guess not...
Click to expand...

In Tom's article he recommends as potential Potassium sources: "Add K2SO4 and/or KNO3 to boost if you also need NO3. Also in Equilibrium/TMG/Kent etc."

So you are getting some from there and it may be enough. My current macro mix is following the PMDD recipe, but I did halve the potassium level in the recipe. Right now I'm experimenting with the phosphate level. Later on I may tinker with the potassium. I haven't had a lot of luck reading those absurd color charts so I figured I'd just watch the plants for a few weeks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom