Mr T
Member
On my Osaka tank (see journal entry http://ukaps.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=10198) I currently dose 10ml of AE Aqua carbon and 4ml of EasyLife Profito daily. I have been reading up on the whole DIY dry ferts thing and think that may be the way to go in the future (specifically James C's DIY TPN+ version 3). However due to a bit of wheeling and dealing I obtained 2 litres of Profito for a tenner not so long ago, so obviously I'd like to use this first.
So far things have been growing well in the tank. Recently however I suspected that the plants may not be getting all they need. I did several tests for both Phosphates and Nitrates (steady guys, I'm well aware how much these "test kit" things are despised!) and found them both to be almost non existent. Profito doesn't contain either of these so I'm sure to encounter some problems soon. Now I could obtain both a liquid nitrate and phosphate source. However due to the nature of my work (offshore - seismic survey) that would mean the introduction of another 2 dosing pumps and associated equipment, not to mention the considerable expense involved!
Here's my proposal as a possible solution. Would it be possible / safe to purchase some Potassium Nitrate and Potassium Phosphate along with Ascorbic Acid and Potassium Sorbate as preservatives? Essentially using the Profito as the trace mix, magnesium source and water mix. Does anyone know if they would mix successfully or would the chelating agent react in some way rendering the whole mix useless, worst of all toxic? If the idea's a goer what quantities would anyone suggest I mix?
Any suggestions gratefully received as always!
Tesco
So far things have been growing well in the tank. Recently however I suspected that the plants may not be getting all they need. I did several tests for both Phosphates and Nitrates (steady guys, I'm well aware how much these "test kit" things are despised!) and found them both to be almost non existent. Profito doesn't contain either of these so I'm sure to encounter some problems soon. Now I could obtain both a liquid nitrate and phosphate source. However due to the nature of my work (offshore - seismic survey) that would mean the introduction of another 2 dosing pumps and associated equipment, not to mention the considerable expense involved!
Here's my proposal as a possible solution. Would it be possible / safe to purchase some Potassium Nitrate and Potassium Phosphate along with Ascorbic Acid and Potassium Sorbate as preservatives? Essentially using the Profito as the trace mix, magnesium source and water mix. Does anyone know if they would mix successfully or would the chelating agent react in some way rendering the whole mix useless, worst of all toxic? If the idea's a goer what quantities would anyone suggest I mix?
Any suggestions gratefully received as always!
Tesco