4ft tank

[ZacNg]

I am currently using the Aqua, Micros, K₂SO_4, KH₂PO_4, and the MgSO4. Using their dosing method but seems to have some GSA issues.

[Ivan Choo]

@ZacNg, you may want to consider investing in a PO4 test kit. I was surprised to know that my NO3 & PO4 was zero when BGA/GSA hit and my plants start to deteriorate even with constant dosing. I followed the Seachem dosing regime but soon realised that these dosing methods are simply a generalised guidance. Each tank is different and you have to account for plant mass vs fert uptake especially some plant species may be PO4 hungry. I guess that's why EI dosing has gained such a following by taking the guess work out of fertilisation.

Test kits really helped me gain insight into my tank's needs. Even with EI dosing, the test kits really helped with the learning process, especially for a beginner like me.

[ZacNg]

Thanks for your advice, will get one this weekend. Anyone has any suggestions where to buy dry ferts from? The lush-grow set which I have does not seem to be the complete set for EI dosing? Or is it I do not know how to use them? New to dry ferts here.

[Ivan Choo]

I got my KNO3 (5%) solution & KH2PO4 from http://www.ecocityhydroponics.com. Using Seachem Trace + Iron + Equilibrium for micros.


I use http://rotalabutterfly.com for calculating dosing amount & premixes.


For your 4ft I can imagine dry dosing will work well for you, but the KNO3 (5%) solution won't offer you much bang for your buck. You can try using Calcium Nitrate for N instead, search the forum for more info. Sorry I'm new to EI too, so not much info I can share.


I'm using Sera NO3 test kit & API PO4 test kit. I prefer API test kit as the bottles/tubes and color sheet seems to be of a better build (thicker & laminated). Can't comment on which is more accurate but I guess they are not too far apart.

[ZacNg]

I also got my ferts from eco-city as well. Got the HPC deal 1. But their N is supplied thru Urea CO(NH2)2. Not sure if it works as well.

[Ivan Choo]

http://www.barrreport.com/forum/barr...itute-for-kno3


I think Urea works as a source of N but risky in a planted aquarium, side effects being you get NH3 (depending on dosage, PH etc).


I won't risk it as yours is a 4ft and mistakes can be costly.


Why not go CANO3?

[ZacNg]

Wow did now know it was that risky. Bought it as a package from Eco-City. Looks like I have to source for other ferts. Now thinking to go back to liquid ferts already. Dry ferts looks so alien to me.