testing fert levels

dereks

dereks

AC Members
Mar 7, 2006
453
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My plants have finally reached the point where I need to start adding ferts. I just ordered copper and iron test kits but I was curious, does anybody know which typically tends to rise faster?

I'm using columbus city water. I'm not using co2 and have been dosing carbon supplement.

Does anybody have any other tips?

They're doing really well so far (java fern)
 
It started looking crappy so I added some ferts and it seemed to help, it's acting like it's soaking up the nutrients and needing more. There is a TON of it in there.
 
What brand of test kits did you get, if you don't mind me hijacking your thread?

I have no advice to offer, being an official plant killer. Sorry! I just like chemistry.
 
Are you doseing Fe (Iron) and Cu (Copper)??
 
If you add Excel or the like, you might add a little KNO3/KH2Po4 along with the trace mix.
This assumes low fish load and high plant load.

Also, you might prune out some of the plants if the tank is overgrown to allow for new growth to come in.
Sell the cuttings etc, break off at the rhizome etc.

IME, ferns love big water changes, as do fish.
But this can remove a fair amount go fish waste(a good source of N and P).
Adding a little bit of K2SO4 can help for K+.
Fish waste does not add much/hardly any K+.

The demand for N and P is likely fairly small in your tank.
So fed fish more and trim the fern back would be the simplest option, maybe add a little of the K2SO4.

Keep adding the trace elements etc.
 
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