PMDD mix ratio

[Rick Dotson]

If I am using PMDD what ratio should I mix the trace/Mg & Kno3. I had mix according to the Krib and tried to dose based on iron. I had a lot of trouble getting decent iron readings. I would like to dose based on Nitrate. Anybody have any thoughts on this?

[Ghazanfar Ghori]

I'll get back to you on this. I've worked out some
ratios and am working on more. Should have an
'ideal' ratio of stuff to dose with using chems
soon.

[SCMurphy]

[QUOTE=Rick Dotson] If I am using PMDD what ratio should I mix the trace/Mg & Kno3. I had mix according to the Krib and tried to dose based on iron. I had a lot of trouble getting decent iron readings. I would like to dose based on Nitrate. Anybody have any thoughts on this?
[/QUOTE]

I so want to be a wiseass and say "add more", but I'll let Ghazanfar figure out the right amount to add.

[Rick Dotson]

Sean a wise ass?

Never! <img border="0" src="smileys/smiley2.gif" border="0">

[jerseyjay]

[QUOTE=Ghazanfar Ghori] I'll get back to you on this. I've worked out some
ratios and am working on more. Should have an
'ideal' ratio of stuff to dose with using chems
soon.[/QUOTE]

Ghazanfar,
This formula may work for you but there are way too many factors which will make your ratio "not sufficient" in other tanks. Fish load would be one and probably the most important one.
Just a thought.

[Ghazanfar Ghori]

Acutally I'm going to work on a ratio for the
average tank. Tweaking may still be required but
this should get into the ballpark.

[Ghazanfar Ghori]

OK - I had made a mistake in my calculations....

To acheive a 10:1:10 ratio..

N:P 10:1 ratio

5 ppm NO3 (1.14 ppm N) : 0.35 PO4 (0.114 ppm P)

K is already in excess if using KNO3 as Nitrogen
source.

5 ppm NO3
3.15 ppm K
0.35 ppm PO4


Assuming there is no other source of N
Assuming there is no other source of K
Assuming there is no other source of P

Using KNO3 & KH2PO4

For KNO3 stock solution
3 tsp KNO3 (16.8 grams)
250ml distilled water
Each ml will give you 1.09 ppm Nitrates in 10G of aquarium water


For KH2PO4 stock solution
1 tsp KH2PO4 (9.6 grams)
250ml distilled water
Each ml will give you approx 0.36 ppm Phosphates in 10G of aquarium water

You're already getting enough K from KNO3 for a 10:1:10 ratio

4.5 ml of the Nitrate solution will give you
5 ppm of NO3 in 10G of water

1 ml of the Phosphate solution will give you
0.36 ppm ppm of PO4 in 10G of water

So now you can create a macro mix.

Traces are a little more difficult to nail down
since each type of trace mix has varying amounts
of everything. I'll try to get a rough guide for that
soon.

[Jonathan Kalmes]

Quick question... are you doing this instead of other ferts like Flourish, or in addition to?

My tank is incredibly low on everything (ALL my tests always come up with zero). Always has been. I'm planning on switching to a PMDD method when I get the new tank set up (*ahem*) <img border="0" src="smileys/smiley17.gif" border="0">, but it really seems like a pain.<edited><editID>Jonathan Kalmes</editID><editDate>37972.5958217593</editDate></edited>

[Ghazanfar Ghori]

I don't use any commercial ferts at all.
I've been using KNO3, K2SO4, MgSO4, KH2PO4 and a trace
mix to fertlize my tanks. It's cheap and works well.
1 lb of this stuff will last you quite a while - talking months, maybe years.

All this stuff is available at www.litemanu.com
KNO3 (Potassium nitrate) for Nitrates
K2SO4 (Potassium sulphate) for Pottasium
KH2PO2 (Mono Potassium Phosphate) for Phosphates

MgSO4 - Magnesium sulphate - available in drug/ grocery stores as Epsom salts for Magnesium

Trace mix is also available online.



Very cost effective...and it works!

[Archie]

[QUOTE=Ghazanfar Ghori] I don't use any commercial ferts at all.[/QUOTE]

really? at all? <img border="0" src="smileys/smiley36.gif" border="0">