I am afraid of Phosphate (PO4) because ......

[Dodofish]

I often see alot try to hold back or limit on po4. And i am curious why a main nutrient like this is so dislike by some?

My past observations and planting experience tells me all the nutrients are equally important to achieve the balance which provide the best situations for plants to compete with algae.

I have also tried to restrict po4 which results in algae bloom. So i really like to hear your views. Maybe i am insane about po4. Haha

Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk

[Phillipians]

I used to dose a little PO4 through dry ferts previously. Noticed that it causes GSA especially on the tank wall. Ever since I stopped dosing PO4 directly, no such problems. Clean tank walls only once in 2 weeks. Used to be every week I have to clean. Now 2 weeks still not that bad, just a few spots.

DO note that I do dose Lushgrow Macros and Micros so its not as if there isnt any PO4

[Sleepy_lancs]

I had a bad experience with PO4, not because of dosing, but because someone from the LFS told me to raise KH, I should get the KH buffer, after numerous failed attempts on the planted tank, I soon found out that the KH buffer is actually loaded with PO4. Who would suspect it... Everyone thought that it should have been K! But anyway, I don't fear PO4 at all. Now following E1 method, I feed my fishes liberally and change water twice a week. I dose 1/2 tsp 3 times per week in a low light. And of coz I use baking soda instead of that KH buffer. I think that there are still people either have a mis-conception that limiting can help prevent algae or for those using Lushgro like me, followed the PMDD method (by the way, I am overdosing using Lushgro series 3x). I only learnt that Lushgro Aqua lacks PO4 recently (I used to dose dry ferts before the NO3 ban) so still very much in a learning process from fellow forumers.

[Phillipians]

Interesting. Your water change is 50% ? Twice weekly is seriously a chore hahah. Once a week is already super tiring for me. As I also have to do trimming. Back breaking exercises man ...

I didnt know that Lushgrow Aqua lacks PO4. So far I dose like every water change 12 ml - 15 ml for my 120L tank. 30% - 40% overdose and then mid week add another 6 - 8ml. So far so good. Much better than when I dose PO4 directly. I only dose extra N through Urea and K also in mid week, plus Fe as well.

[Sleepy_lancs]

Hi Phillipians,
Ah.. I should be more specific. 25% each time, twice a week (can't do once a week. I did that twice, My fishes joined the heavenly Realm each time but my shrimps survived ). Perhaps its because of the ADA soil (first time using ADA) or maybe something not known). I just use a long hose to bring waste water to the toilet and refill from tap. Not that much backbreaking for me. I don't really need to trim my plants or clean my glass (now and then only a few spotted green algae) I dose 40ml lushgro Aqua 3 times a week for 120G tank . I am still watching.. The dosing regime is still on trial and error, watching my plants currently (slow growers). After all, mine is a low light tank (1.7wpg) growing Ferns, Nanas and Crypts.

[blue33]

I love PO4, if you know how to use it.

[Dodofish]

Interesting to learn from everyones experience. For me i am also using a comprehensive dosage, but i take my fast growing plant as a gauge of po4 deficiency if i experience stunned growth.

Same thing here, once weekly water change.


Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk

[Dodofish]

I love PO4, if you know how to use it.

Bro how do you use it? Any special things to look out for or just ei regime?

Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk

[Sleepy_lancs]

Look at the plants. Fast growers will be your indicators, the plants stop growing. Since mine is a slow growing type, I watch out for those green spotted algae on the glass and old leaves. They are usually the first warning signs.

[thebaldingaquarist]

I am afraid of it.. running out.

[Dodofish]

I am afraid of it.. running out.

How to change topic? Hoho.

I should change topic to I am afraid of po4 because....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Dodofish]

Look at the plants. Fast growers will be your indicators, the plants stop growing. Since mine is a slow growing type, I watch out for those green spotted algae on the glass and old leaves. They are usually the first warning signs.

I also look for gsa as an indicator. But sometimes I worried when I use up my kpo4 too quickly. Hehe.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[felix_fx2]

How to change topic? Hoho.

I should change topic to I am afraid of po4 because....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

pm the mod doing this section... unless you want to trouble admin.



Sent from GT-N7105 powered by Temasek CM11

[Dodofish]

pm the mod doing this section... unless you want to trouble admin.



Sent from GT-N7105 powered by Temasek CM11

Sir I just Pm you. hehehe


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[tetrakid]

I love PO4, if you know how to use it.

Hi,
I like to have algae and have been trying to cultivate algae without results. Care to recommend a phosphorus product for me? Will appreciate an image of the product if that's possible. Thanks.

[Sleepy_lancs]

Hmm.. Just head down to NA or HPC and Ask them for H2PO4. They will know what to give you.

[thebaldingaquarist]

Hi,
I like to have algae and have been trying to cultivate algae without results. Care to recommend a phosphorus product for me? Will appreciate an image of the product if that's possible. Thanks.

that depends on what kind of algae you need.
thread/hair algae, you need to get a small sample from me, then up your nitrates and ammonia.
GSA, you need to up your lighting intensity and duration, lower your CO2
BGA, need to reduce circulation, increase nitrates and ammonia.
Green dust, up your nitrates and lower your circulation along your tank wall or surface. remove any yamato or ottos or shrimp.