Fertilizer

[limsteel]

I added regular weekly MgSO4 & K2SO4 and Fe & trace. Now at the moment, my plants are bubbling but for 2 weeks liao, no major pruning needed... Are my plants Stunt?

When a plant is stunt, can future growth still be good? My red plant has distorted young leaf. and doesn't seem to grow at all. Is it Ca deficiency?

Where to get other source of Ca? As adding more Fe & trace will encourage Algae, right?

Bought a NO3 tester... tested 25mg/l to 50 mg/l... is this level good?

Made a check Today at B934 Yishun, "Tetra" packed 5 separate tester in one box for a very reasonable price $50, Tester include: KH, GH, PH, NO2, CO2. So those intending to get testers, do consider this, can save a small amount.

[naturetan]

Your plants will apparently look like slower in growth after fertilizing. But my observation especailly stem plant is that new leaves form will be richer, thicker and bigger.

I've yet to conclude that distorted leaves are due to calcium deficiency. What I'm assuming is that too much of certain fertilisers but limiting other essential one can cause plant to grow abnormally. You can put coral chips inside your filter to increase KH & Ca. Alternatively, I've talked to Dr. Mallick and he would be able to make CaCl if really interested. But be aware of Cl in excess.

Based on Tom Barr's experience, its not true that more Fe & traces can encourage algae. Instead, it's good for problematic tank. Definitely, not too much in excess for long, as in my opinion, live stock can die of toxicity.

[spidermen]

Hi Guys,

Thanks. But I am abit confused now with so many variable on hand. Blur men.

Think for the moment, I will monitor the growth of the plants. The plants is growing quite reasonably well especially the riccia except on the BBA on some parts.

Lim, how much you bought the test kit?

Did another PH and KH test yest. nite.
Ph : 6.5ppm
KH : 3dkh.
CO2 : 28ppm (I thk)

Sera CO2 test kit also indicate dark green (means OK).

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[naturetan]

I started more as a blurred sotong than you. But take things easy and concentrate one thing at a time.

If your tank bioload is low with high light, concentrate on NO3 & PO4 as a factor. Either buy test kit to test it. If not, dose KNO3=8ppm & KH2PO4=0.8ppm twice weekly on top of other fertiliser you're dosing. Then make 50% water change for your 2ft tank after a week.

Be patient to observe the result. Treat it as a learning experience to see how plant response after each dose. You'll learn more than rushing to dose everything.

Your CO2 level is good. Don't need to fret over it.

[spidermen]

Hi Nature,

thanks for the encouragment!

The tank bioload is not high I believed based on my earlier indicationb and lights is about ~ 2.5w.gallon.

Where to buy KNO3 and KH2PO4? As Dr Millicks sell in 1Kg (too much). Which brand would you recommend and how much you bought it? As dun want to be "Chop Head".

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[naturetan]

Get from Dr. Mallick at Crawford Lane. Don't worry, Dr. Mallick himself a very nice guy, same as his helper.

1Kg might be too much, but you can share with others. They also sell 500g, but at a higher price of $5.

[Plantbrain]

One thing that really seems to be the best way for folks that want to learn about nutrients is simply taking one step at a time. Note the improvements of each as you master and are able to control the CO2, then the NO3, then the K, then the traces andf finally the PO4.
Just work on one item at a time, testing etc, estimating etc.
Once you feel comfy, move on to the next one. Some folks guess on some then go back critically and look at each.
Trying to look at each nutrient critically for a new person tends to overwhelm and confuse.

GH, KH etc are things most folks do not need to deal with(Trying out various levels), but some twisted advanced folks may want to play around with it.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[spidermen]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the advice.

Now I am more or less able to get a feel on the CO2 ppm. Thus will work on the next step to get rid of the unsightly BBA.

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