Planted Tank: Poor Man's Dosing Drops

[RTR]

...
Are they really needed to keep happy plants?

Are what really needed? All those chems? If so, yes, and possibly more depending on light and CO2 levels. Just like a car, the fastest you drive, the better shape your vehicle needs to be in. It also depends on what is really in your water and how much is fluctuates with the seasons.

[J-P]

...
Are they really needed to keep happy plants?

Are what really needed? All those chems? If so, yes, and possibly more depending on light and CO2 levels. Just like a car, the fastest you drive, the better shape your vehicle needs to be in. It also depends on what is really in your water and how much is fluctuates with the seasons.

Not all the chems ... just the epsom salts (Magnesium Sulphate (MGSO4))

[RTR]

Then still, yes. Ca:Mg proportions count too. Imbalance gives growth distortions (i think Chuck G covers that) Sulfur is also necessary from some source.

[J-P]

ok ...

I was wondering that cause this forum advises using epsom salts for use in fish constipation.

This way everyone will be regular

[RTR]

At a bit heavier dosage...

[J-P]

Ok ... I mixed my does and they are waiting 24 hrs in refrigeration.

the only problem now is the Calcium Nitrate (CaNO3) ... my mixing sheet does not include this product at all, so I am left with an extra bag of the stuff.

Do I need it?

I'll call the company on Monday to get the correct dosage if needed

[J-P]

I got this answer from APC: Re: Calcium Nitrate

Heard of the stuff, haven't played with it. Time to do a little reading...

It looks like CaNO3 isn't the real name; it's Ca(NO3)2, and that can be found as anhydrous or as a tetrahydrate; Ca(NO3).4H2O.

The solubility looks high enough to mix stock solutions with. I'm guessing if you're dosing everything from one bottle in RO or any water lacking/low on calcium, then this stuff is actually kind of handy. By weight, Ca(NO3)2 is almost exactly 1:1 Ca:NO3 (regardless of hydration). Incidentally, that's pretty much perfect as far as ratios to maintain non-limiting conditions without wasting ferts.

but still don't know if I actually need it or not
Needless to say, I really have no idea what the quote is saying. A little too techi for my newbi level (at the moment)

[RTR]

What is you GH? GH is calcium and magnesium. If you are dosing Mg, you might need to dose Ca at higher levels, but I have never needed to dose either one. If I remember right, the proper proportions are on the order of 4:1::Ca:Mg - but confirm that from TB or CG's sites.

[J-P]

GH is 9 at the moment

but what the ratio of Ca and Mg is I have no idea (until I get a better test kit)

I'll send out a few feelers and see if Chuck would be so inclined

[J-P]

Calcium Nitrate

For some reason this is "new" to them (at APC) and apparently generating a heated debate.

I have e-mailed Chuck and I hope I can get a reply. Until then it is up for debate

[Pufferpunk]

The Urea content doesn't harm the fish? I was advised againt it.

Not sure but this is my discus tank & they are some of the most sensitive I know of.

[Iliveinazoo]

Calcium Nitrate

For some reason this is "new" to them (at APC) and apparently generating a heated debate.

I have e-mailed Chuck and I hope I can get a reply. Until then it is up for debate

I've read in the past that the correct ratio is 3:1 Mg:Ca.

I must say that I've never seen Calcium Nitrate before, I use Potassium Nitrate as my nitrate source but Clacium Nitrate to me would be more beneficial as I always add Ca and Mg seperately as well since I have a brackish tank.

[J-P]

Got the final word.. sort of.

I called the company and they said this (Calcium Nitrate) in not to be used in the aquarium. The nitrates will harm the fish

[Iliveinazoo]

Got the final word.. sort of.

I called the company and they said this (Calcium Nitrate) in not to be used in the aquarium. The nitrates will harm the fish

I assume that they are saying that because Nitrate in a fish tank in general is bad and that high levels will affect the fishes health in a negative way however the nitrate that you propose to add to the tank will be consumed by your plants.

[J-P]

I also go this reply from APC:

Thanks very much for updating, J-P. Very minor correction for the sake of fthis thread in the archives/future searches: I think the issue is some nitrogen in this form of "Calcium Nitrate" is in a form bad for fish (ammonium), not the nitrogen that's in the form of nitrate. <3

[/quote]

that could be the culprit