Low nitrates, what to do?

[kveeti]

The cheapest alternative is to add KN03 (potassium nitrate). You can get the powdered form and mix up a small batch for dosing. Check local hydroponics stores (some may have it, many don't) or you can order from Greg Watson.

PMDD store at bottom of page:
http://www.gregwatson.com/

Dosing calculator:
http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_dosage_calc.htm

 

[will5]

The cheapest alternative is to add KN03 (potassium nitrate). You can get the powdered form and mix up a small batch for dosing. Check local hydroponics stores (some may have it, many don't) or you can order from Greg Watson.

PMDD store at bottom of page:
http://www.gregwatson.com/

Dosing calculator:
http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_dosage_calc.htm

Yep go with greg watson. Here is a link to where you can go to learn how to dry does. Trust me it is alot easier than makeing a stock solution. I do it on all of my tanks.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/water-parameters/21944-_dosing-regimes_.html

If you need any help feel free to pm me.

 

[fballguy]

Cool thanks everybody!

BTW will dosing nitrates help control algae?

 

[will5]

Hi

It should if every thing else is in order ie Co2 and other ferts which you should order any way. Be sure to fllow the dosing chart in that link i sent you. It might also be worth your while to order the other ferts ( CSM+B Plantex,KH2PO4 =Mono Potassium Phosphate ,K2SO4=Potassium Sulfate ,Potassium Nitrate =KNO3 ). Depending on your tank size 1 Lb of each would be the best thing for you and then fllow that chart and your plants love you for it and you will aslo love your self for it trust me. Best thing i ever done for my plants and they look twice as good after i started dosing these.

 

[fresh_newby]

Cool thanks everybody!

BTW will dosing nitrates help control algae?

Yes it helps balance the tank...your NO3 should be at about 20ppm and PO4 at about 2-5...but CO2 is what really wards off algae in a planted tank. Nitrates in high doses wards off BBA <a bacteria>
As for the person that said having a NO3 of 5 is fine as long it is not depleted, that is incorrect in a planted tank. I try to keep them at about 10-20 with a 1:10 or 2:10 ration to PO4... I dose dry Greg Watson ferts about 3/4 tsp every two days in my 90 gal in the form of KNO3

good luck

 

[twig]

i don't think co2 wards off algae in the way people think ...

Co2 just gets plants eating ferts faster which, when available, helps you outcompete algae ...

In the case of nitrates it won't help though because bga can feast on micro nutrietns that are too small a dose for plants to feed on ...

Co2 can actually CAUSE bga because your nitrates go down so fast.

 

[fresh_newby]

i don't think co2 wards off algae in the way people think ...

Co2 just gets plants eating ferts faster which, when available, helps you outcompete algae ...

In the case of nitrates it won't help though because bga can feast on micro nutrietns that are too small a dose for plants to feed on ...

Co2 can actually CAUSE bga because your nitrates go down so fast.

do some reading...


http://www.barrreport.com/algae-control/


Yes CO2 gets the plants to outcompete...whereby wardning off algae, as I said.
CO2 does not cause BGA...BGA is either present in your tank or not...if it is it can get out of hand by low circulation and low NO3. Having enough CO2 helps ward it off. Lack of CO2 is the root of MOST algae problems.....period. <and not enough plants>

 

[TKOS]

I have recently started adding KNO3 as my tanks were getting next to no nitrates (low stocking levels). And it has been a wonder for me. The extra K (potassium) is really useful as well. I would agree that if you are ordering from Greg Watson (a good choice) then grab the phosphate and trace mix as well. The balance of ferts should be 10(N) to 1 (P) to 10(K) or there abouts.

I bought my KNO3 locally at a hydroponics store, super cheap for the amount you get. If you buy dry powders you can either mix it when you are using it or make a stock solution. If you make a stock solution then I suggest keeping it in the fridge and making up smallish amounts at a time.

 

[kveeti]

If you make a stock solution then I suggest keeping it in the fridge and making up smallish amounts at a time.

Good suggestion. I was making too much at a time and it got ugly, there were scuzzy bits growing in the bottle. Now I just mix up enough to last me a couple weeks but I don't refrigerate, although mine's in the basement and it's cooler down here.

 

[will5]

Good suggestion. I was making too much at a time and it got ugly, there were scuzzy bits growing in the bottle. Now I just mix up enough to last me a couple weeks but I don't refrigerate, although mine's in the basement and it's cooler down here.

Which is why dry dosing is WAY BETTER. Because you don't have to worry about storing the solution and it is a lot easier to does with measuring spoons than in ml's and in fractions of ml's.