dry fert and test kits

Linda S

Linda S

AC Members
Sep 6, 2009
1,377
0
0
Killeen, TX
Real Name
Linda Sholly
So in my master Test kit I have NH3/NH4, NO2, NO3 I also have a test kit for PO4 is there a test kit for K? I would like to know the ppm I should shoot for
NH3/NH4 0ppm
NO2 0ppm
NO3 20-40ppm
PO4 ???ppm
K ???ppm

is there a test for K?
and would it be easier to dose knowing the ppm's to shoot for?

It would make it less abstract for me, and for me personally it would be helpful.
 
Im not sure if there is a test kit for pottassium but I think it would be really hard to dose by the ppm because your tank water will vary. You may want to translate it to a gallonage version to help you make things easier.
 
Linda, Are you dosing EI? If so using the chart that goes along with the tank sizes it will give you a ratio of needed K vs Phosphates. For plants to uptake Phosphates they need the Potassium. Also if your doing EI dosing one of the nice things about doing EI is not having to over test to get perimeters. One of the things ive learned reading info from Tom Bar and other is that Testing and trying to keep things right on the boarder can lead to fast nutrient issues. Sometimes plants consume differently more or less.... Trying to keep up with that without missing your mark is difficult. This is also where people get into Algae issues as well. If you provide NON limiting nutrients this is no longer an issue and the extra nutrients are no harm to any live stock or plants. Now this doesnt say I dont test things. I do. But maybe once every other week. I run the Spectrum of every thing plus KH/GH and PH. All I use it for is to see if im way overboard or under. Normally Im golden. It also helps me that way in case my water changes from my supply. Are you running pressurized Co2?

So if your doing EI dont worry about what to shot for. Just go from the chart. If you test what you can and your nitrates are like 90 to 100ppm then after your weeks water change drop it down one level along with the other nutrients in the chart.
 
Agreed. EI was introduced to eliminate the need to constantly test your levels. The 50% water changes reset the tank eliminating fert buildup. If you are dosing strictly according to the recommended nutrient levels outlined by EI and are performing weekly 50% water changes, then you should be fine. It's all about finding a balance between light/CO2/nutrients. More light = more nutrient demand. With lower light setups, you can dial back the nutes without neglecting the plants. http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/62-The-Estimative-Index-of-Dosing-or-No-Need-for-Test-Kits
 
Last edited:
I dont know if this is feasible or not but could you send your aquarium water to the utility company to have checked? Ive honestly never thought about this b4 so this might be a bonehead idea.:huh:
 
carolinyens said:
I dont know if this is feasible or not but could you send your aquarium water to the utility company to have checked? Ive honestly never thought about this b4 so this might be a bonehead idea.:huh:
Click to expand...
What would you want or need them to test for? You can get a full report on your tap water for free. Anything else we need we have the ability to check. But in the case of nutrients no need. You can chase numbers all you want but getting plants to grow and minimal issues with algae is what we are after. That's easy. Attain balance. Supply nonlimiting nutrients, quality managable light, and work co2 levels if possible.
 
It's called Estimative Index for a reason. ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom