tommyleestaples
Member
I have finally decided to try the stock solution EI Method. But have some further questions. I have listed below my water parameters and EI dosing plan.
Tank Specification:-
Juwel Rio 125 (33 US Gallons) with 2 x 28w T5 bulbs (on for 9 hours), CO2 and a nutrient rich substrate.
Tap Water Parameters:-
PH 7.2
KH 13 dKH 232.7 ppm
GH 19 dGH 304.1 ppm
Ammonia 0 ppm
Nitrite 0 ppm
Nitrate 10-20 ppm
Prosphate 2-3 ppm
Copper 0 ppm
Iron 0 ppm
EI Dosing Plan
I have bought Potasium Nitrate, Potassium Phosphate (Monobasic) and Chelated Trace Mix of (Boron 1.06%, Copper 0.23%, Iron 8.2%, Manganese 1.82%, Molybdenum 0.15%, Zinc 1.16%)
Solutions
Macro Solution
33g Potassium Nitrate
7.2g Potassium Phosphate
in 250ml Water
Micro Solution
10g Chelated Trace Mix
in 250 ml Water
Dosage
5ml of Macro solution per 50 litres of water
2.5ml of Trace solution per 50 litres of water
Schedule
Sunday 50% water change. Add Macros (KNO3, KH2PO4)
Monday Add Micro
Tuesday Add Macros (KNO3, KH2PO4)
Wednesday Add Micro
Thursday Add Macros (KNO3, KH2PO4)
Friday Add Micro
Saturday Rest day
After looking at various websites I have learnt that the ideal targets are:-
CO2 range 25-30 ppm
NO3 range Nitrate 5-30 ppm
K+ range potassium 10-30 ppm
PO4 range phosphate 1.0-3.0 ppm
Fe 0.2-0.5ppm or higher
Looking at my water parameters, I already have a high nitrate and phosphate level in my tap water. I was planning to cut by half the dry powders I add to the stock solution. I will also have quite a high fish load so they will produce nitrates and phosphate. Would you suggest not adding the macro solution and just adding Trace elements based on my tap water parameters?
Are phosphates dangerous for fish? I have also been told that my water may have minimal magnesium in it so to add Epsom salts. I have no way of telling the magnesium content in my tap water, my water board do not even seem to know. So would it be dangerous to fish and shrimp to add epsom salts?
I take it its going to be a bit of trial and error, I understand that it is dependant on a number of factors eg lighting, fish load, filter media, plant stocking level.
But if you have any further advice or notice anything I should change please to tell me before I embark on my EI method journey.
Tank Specification:-
Juwel Rio 125 (33 US Gallons) with 2 x 28w T5 bulbs (on for 9 hours), CO2 and a nutrient rich substrate.
Tap Water Parameters:-
PH 7.2
KH 13 dKH 232.7 ppm
GH 19 dGH 304.1 ppm
Ammonia 0 ppm
Nitrite 0 ppm
Nitrate 10-20 ppm
Prosphate 2-3 ppm
Copper 0 ppm
Iron 0 ppm
EI Dosing Plan
I have bought Potasium Nitrate, Potassium Phosphate (Monobasic) and Chelated Trace Mix of (Boron 1.06%, Copper 0.23%, Iron 8.2%, Manganese 1.82%, Molybdenum 0.15%, Zinc 1.16%)
Solutions
Macro Solution
33g Potassium Nitrate
7.2g Potassium Phosphate
in 250ml Water
Micro Solution
10g Chelated Trace Mix
in 250 ml Water
Dosage
5ml of Macro solution per 50 litres of water
2.5ml of Trace solution per 50 litres of water
Schedule
Sunday 50% water change. Add Macros (KNO3, KH2PO4)
Monday Add Micro
Tuesday Add Macros (KNO3, KH2PO4)
Wednesday Add Micro
Thursday Add Macros (KNO3, KH2PO4)
Friday Add Micro
Saturday Rest day
After looking at various websites I have learnt that the ideal targets are:-
CO2 range 25-30 ppm
NO3 range Nitrate 5-30 ppm
K+ range potassium 10-30 ppm
PO4 range phosphate 1.0-3.0 ppm
Fe 0.2-0.5ppm or higher
Looking at my water parameters, I already have a high nitrate and phosphate level in my tap water. I was planning to cut by half the dry powders I add to the stock solution. I will also have quite a high fish load so they will produce nitrates and phosphate. Would you suggest not adding the macro solution and just adding Trace elements based on my tap water parameters?
Are phosphates dangerous for fish? I have also been told that my water may have minimal magnesium in it so to add Epsom salts. I have no way of telling the magnesium content in my tap water, my water board do not even seem to know. So would it be dangerous to fish and shrimp to add epsom salts?
I take it its going to be a bit of trial and error, I understand that it is dependant on a number of factors eg lighting, fish load, filter media, plant stocking level.
But if you have any further advice or notice anything I should change please to tell me before I embark on my EI method journey.