TMG vs Seachem Equilibrium

[hoppinghippo]

Anyone can advise which would be a better fert to use in terms of price and content? I want to change from ferropol!!

[Simon]

here are the content:
[b]Equilibrium™ raises the essential mineral/electrolyte content (General Hardness) of the water to balance with and promote stability of the carbonate hardness without the introduction of chloride or sodium (both can be detrimental to a planted aquarium at elevated levels). To maintain KH, we recommend Alkaline Buffer™. Equilibrium™ and Alkaline Buffer™ are all that is needed to maintain the ideal mineral/electrolyte balance in the natural planted aquarium. Equilibrium™ is ideally suited for mineralization of DI/RO water. A 300 g bottle will treat 200 gallons.

DIRECTIONS: To raise mineral content or general hardness (GH) by 1 meq/L (3 dH), add 15 g (~1 tbsp.) for every 10 gallons when setting up a tank or when making water changes (add to new water). If adding to an existing tank can be added straight, although solubilization will be aided by premixing with ~1 L (1 qt.) of water per 15 g. It is normal for the premixed solution to have a white opaque appearance. Upon adding this to the tank it will impart a slight haze that will clear within 5-10 minutes. This dosage will also raise potassium by 80 mg/L. However, Flourish Potassium™ is recommended for regular potassium maintenance. Do not use Equilibrium™ when replacing evaporated water. This dose is based on DI or R/O water; for other water, measure hardness (GH) first, then add according to need. Plant preferences vary, but a general guide for near optimum dose is about 1-2 meq/L (3-6 dH) or match the existing or target carbonate hardness (KH), which, ideally, is also about 1-2 meq/L (3-6 dKH). If you are also using Alkaline Buffer™, the recommended Alkaline Buffer™ dose will raise carbonate hardness by 2 meq/L (6 dKH).

Guaranteed Analysis: K (potassium): 18.9%; Mg (magnesium): 4.3%; Ca (calcium): 2.7%; Fe (iron): 0.47%; Mn (manganese): 0.08%
[b]

will give u the content of TMG when i get back...

I think some of the members r using both

[bclee]

Equilibrium is not the equivalent to TMG. Should compare Flourish to TMG.

Flourish:
Flourish™ is a growth stimulator for aquarium plant stems and leaves. It contains a broad spectrum of essential trace elements, vitamins, and amino acids. Flourish™ is rich in gluconate iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, potassium, inositol, choline B12, biotin, and other factors that have been determined to be beneficial to aquatic plants. It contains no phosphate or nitrate or other fertilizers that would promote algae proliferation. A 100 mL bottle treats up to 5,000 gallons. It is also beneficial for household plants.


Sizes: 100 mL, 250 mL, 2 L, 4 L, 20 L

DIRECTIONS: Use 1-2 mL (dispenser enclosed) for each 200 liters (53 gallons) once or twice a week. Divide the number of gallons to treat by 40 (or liters divided by 150) to obtain the exact dose in mL. Refrigerate after opening. Use only in contained aquaria as directed. This product is not intended for natural bodies of water or agricultural use.

Guaranteed Analysis: Total Nitrogen (N): 0.04%; Available Phosphate (as P2O5): < 0.0100%; Soluble Potash (K2O): <0.0600%; Ca (Calcium): 0.1736%; Mg (Magnesium): 0.1154%; S (Sulfur): 0.2773%; B (Boron): 0.0096%; Br (Bromine(as bromide): 0.0001; Cl (Chlorine(as chloride): 1.15%; Co (Cobalt): 0.0004%; Cu (Copper): 0.0001%; I (Iodine (as iodide)): 0.0001%; Fe (Iron/Ferrous gluconate): 0.3886%; Mn (Manganese): 0.0125%; Mo (Molybdenum): 0.0015%; Ni (Nickel): 0.00036%; Rb (Rubidium): 0.0001%; Na (Sodium): 0.0743%; Sn (Tin): 0.000030%; V (Vanadium): 0.000030%; Zn (Zinc): 0.0004%; Arginine: 0.016%; Glutamate: 0.09%; Lysine: 0.03%; Tyrosine: 0.019%; Choline: 0.0004%; Inositol: 0.0011%; Biotin: 0.0004%; Niacin: 0.025%; Pantothenate: 0.0070%; Ribo�avin: 0.0020%;Thiamine: 0.0020%; Vitamin B12: 0.00009%; Vitamin C: 1.0%

BC

[bclee]

TMG:

K 0.79%, Mg 0.39%, S 1.01%, B 0.004%, Cu 0.006%, Fe 0.07%,
Mn 0.04%, Mo 0.002% Zn 0.002%. HEEDTA and DTPA as celators

BC

[bclee]

If you compare Fe content, you will find Flourish is more concentrated and require smaller dosage.

However, you will find Flourish lacks K. If you use in conjunction with Equilibrium, you will find them complementing each other rather well.

I also find that it may be more economical using Seachem compared to TMG.

However, some forumer swear by TMG.

BC

[M0rph3us]

how do u dose Equilibrium?? how many degree of hardness must one attain?

currently using flourish, iron, excel and k2so4..
is it necessary for me to use Equilibrium too to compliment?

[bclee]

Actually, it really depends what you desire, no fix rule.

I keep my tank at about GH 8.

BC

[hoppinghippo]

thanx simon and bclee, appreciate the trouble!

hhmm flourish has potash (K2O) which I presume is K in chelated form or something? and equilibrium has Fe as well so won't using them together raise the Fe level by quite a bit (if you just go by the dosing directions and not by Fe test). and seems like flourish seems like a more complete fert than TMG. ok will get flourish!!!

[bclee]

Potash (K2O) is used to measure K content... like P is measured in terms of P2O5.

Dunno why? Seemed to be a standard way of measurement. Anyone can help?

BC

[bclee]

BTW, K is very stable and does not need to be chelated.

BC

[bclee]

Found the answer:

WHY IS PHOSPHORUS EXPRESSED AS P2O5 AND POTASSIUM EXPRESSED AS K20 IN THE SOIL TEST REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS AND BY THE FERTILIZER COMPANIES?

BC

[hoppinghippo]

good find bclee!!!