Dosing Dilema

jcali10 · Post by **jcali10** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 6:59 pm

I manually dose using the PPS Pro method and have been growing some nice plants and algae.
I read that N : P : K of 10:1:10 is the proper ratio, and the correct ratio of nutrients is more
important than a target number. I believe Aaron advocates dosing a 3:1 N : P ratio reasoning
that plants uptake P faster than N, resulting in a 10:1 ratio in the water column, I suppose.

So should I dose N : P at 10:1 or 3:1? That is the question.

FYI, I think my KNO3 test kit lies. I donâ€™t trust it.

And if youâ€™re dosing KNO3, there is no need to dose K correct?

neilanh · Post by **neilanh** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 8:24 pm

Different people have different opinions on the ratios. I say start with one, and modify based on what your results are.

I don't trust any of my test kits, but I do trust what the plants are telling me. If you pay attention, they'll tell you what they're deficiant in.

And the levels of K in KNO3 are no where near sufficient for what you'll need K wise. You'll need to dose K in addition to KNO3.

If you're using the PPS Pro method, then I'd start with their standard mixture, then make adjustments if you notice deficiencies.

Jeff120 · Post by **Jeff120** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:04 pm

Thats good advice. The ratios are really a starting point, every tank is different. Start with the recommended dose and adjust from there. What algae are you seeing specifically? What do the plants look like? The plants are your true 'test kits'

jcali10 · Post by **jcali10** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:11 pm

I think my patience is being tested. I want to test my dosing regime for at least 2 weeks maybe longer before making a change. But when you are looking at some stubborn BGA, it's difficult.

I have been adding excel, at about double the recommended strength to my 20G; there are no shrimp or vals in that tank. Kinda supplements the DIY CO2 also.

Sometimes I feel like just taking all the plants out and starting over.

I am trying to become familiar with conditions that cause algal outbreaks and different plant growth conditions. I'm still deep in the learning curve.

jcali10 · Post by **jcali10** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:23 pm

BGA, and green dust algae on the glass are what I am seeing. The BGA, last night I could tell the amount of it increased from the morning. Then this morning, there was less of it. Then today after work it had gained in size again. Makes me think it doesn't fair too well at night.

My H. Polysperma grows quickly so I look at it for indication of how new growth is doing. One other condition I'm not sure how to interpret is mature leaves coming off. I usually just remove them, but now I am wondering if it is a symptom of an imbalance somewhere.

Jeff120 · Post by **Jeff120** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:25 pm

BGA usually happens when NO3 is to low.
Patience is important as well, you dont want to change to much at once. I would remove as much as I could, do a 50% water change, and then add a little more KNO3 and see what that does

ingg · Post by **ingg** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:27 pm

I don't associate BGA with nutrient balance, unless you are running zero nitrates - I associate it with poor water circulation. Only time I've ever gotten it is neglecting proper water changes for a long time, or leaving areas uncleaned that didn't get proper flow to clear them out.

What filtration/flow do you have going in the tank?

Post by **krisw** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 10:00 pm

BGA can most definitely be caused by low nitrates. Also poor circulation as Dave mentions. Or a combination of both as I've previously experienced. Just stick with it Joe. I'd suggest following Jeff's advice -- do a water change, increase your KNO3 a bit, and report back in a week.

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 12:07 am

I still stand by my 3:1 dosing recommendation.

There's no need to worry about excess nitrate in a planted tank. You don't have to worry about nitrates until they reach 30 and 40 ppm, even then most fauna will be fine.

jcali10 · Post by **jcali10** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 7:57 am

I'm appreaciate the helpful advise guys.
My journal tells me I started pps pro standard solution on 2-24.
Then on 3-2, I switched to the nitrate free solution, b/c I was getting NO3
readings of about 40 ppm, which may have been false.
On 3-16, I changed filters, and replaced my AquaClear 30 with an XP1.
On 3-20, I switched back to the standard solution. BGA was worse.
I change out about 5-6 gallons of water every Sunday. (20Tall)
I have been removing most of the BGA so I have thinned out the biomass some,
now I think I may need to add some more plants.

Dosing Dilema

Dosing Dilema

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