Hi Tom and everyone else,
As KNo3 is now a banned substance where I am (Singapore) can we use CaNo3 instead? So if we do use CaNo3, then
1. Would the dosage be exactly the same as if we were using KNo3?
2. Would the Ca add to the hardness of the water?
Thanks.
Lifetime Charter Member
From what I gather online it is Ca(NO3)2. That means for two nitrate ions you get a single calcium. It would make your hardness go up. It is nicely soluble so the plants would get the benefit. It wouldn't contribute to the potassium level so you would want to augment that.
Jim (neither a chemist or botanist)
Lifetime Charter Member
Clear As Mud... Real #'s Work Best, If You Care To Share
Hi,
Yes Ca(NO3)2.4H2O is a good replacement for KNO3.
To get a similar amount of NO3 use about 15% more Ca(NO3)2.4H2O. For the level of NO3 added you will be adding about 30% of the NO3 amount in Ca.
To replace the K, add an amount of K2SO4 equal to 30% less than the amount of Ca(NO3)2.4H2O dosed.
Biollante
Last edited by Biollante; 08-02-2011 at 05:21 PM. Reason: ed
The first sign we don't know what we are doing is an obsession with numbers. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Disclaimer: I am not trying to make you mad, it is just what I am, an evil plant monster, 'nuf said.
- I believe the information I am giving is sound, I am not a veterinarian, professional chemist or particularly bright and certainly not a "Guru.".
- I assume you are of legal age, competent and it is legal for you to acquire, possess and use any materials or perform any action in your in your jurisdiction.
- When in doubt "don't."
Prolific Poster
Please excuse me,
If I dose Ca(NO3)2.4H2O instead of KNO3. Will I get the same benefits of dosing CaSO4 at water changes to boost the GH?
Thanks,
Juan
Lifetime Charter Member
Sorta
Hi Juan,
Different GH boosters have different mixtures. Barr’s GH Booster is 3:3:1; K2SO4*: CaSO4: MgSO4.7H2O.
Calcium nitrate,Ca(NO3)2.4H2O is almost 17% Calcium and if you are dosing Potassium sulfate, K2SO4, you are getting the Potassium and the sulfate, so all that is missing is the Epsom salt, MgSO4.7H2O.
Again real information about your situation makes it easier to help.
Biollante
*the packaging I have indicates 3 parts KSO4 while the Planted Aquarium Fertilizer website specifies Potassium sulfate, http://www.aquariumfertilizer.com/in...ditU=2&Regit=7 so I accept the K2SO4 as correct
Last edited by Biollante; 08-03-2011 at 03:55 AM. Reason: Looked wierd
The first sign we don't know what we are doing is an obsession with numbers. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Disclaimer: I am not trying to make you mad, it is just what I am, an evil plant monster, 'nuf said.
- I believe the information I am giving is sound, I am not a veterinarian, professional chemist or particularly bright and certainly not a "Guru.".
- I assume you are of legal age, competent and it is legal for you to acquire, possess and use any materials or perform any action in your in your jurisdiction.
- When in doubt "don't."
Prolific Poster
Thanks Biollante,
I was just curious.
I was looking for some CaSO4 at my local farm products store the other day, but they didn't sell it, they had Ca(NO3)2.4H2O and K2SO4 though.
I'm already dosing MgSO4.7H2O at water changes, so, I was wondering If could replace the CaSO4 and the KNO3 with Ca(NO3)2.4H2O in the case that I couldn't find any gypsum at the nearby crafts stores.
Thanks,
Juan
Last edited by chopsticks; 08-03-2011 at 05:43 AM.
Please check before you buy. There're two types of the so-called Calcium Nitrate.Originally Posted by shrimppaste
The NPK:15.5-0-0 + 19% Ca, is actually 5Ca(NO3)2.NH4NO3.10H2O.
http://www.dlchem.com/pages/20091117...-nitrate.shtml
This one contains ammonia.
The NPK:11.9-0-0 + 16.9% Ca, this one is Ca(NO3)2.4H2O.
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/42..._99_AR_CP.html
This one contains no ammonia.
Can I use CaNo3 with KH2PO4? And if yes, what should be the dosage as I am currently using KNO3 with KH2PO4. Thanks.
Lifetime Charter Member
Do Not Toss Those Egg Shells
Hi Juan,
I apologize I must have misplaced this thread.
Nipat's point is a good one especially when purchasing as agricultural products, make sure it is Ca(NO3)2.4H2O.
The Ca(NO3)2.4H2O and K2SO4 make a good combination, you end up light on the Calcium, but not too bad.
For extra Calcium do not overlook Calcium carbonate CaCO3, agricultural lime.
- Crushed, dried egg shells, seashells are great sources of CaCO3.
Biollante
The first sign we don't know what we are doing is an obsession with numbers. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Disclaimer: I am not trying to make you mad, it is just what I am, an evil plant monster, 'nuf said.
- I believe the information I am giving is sound, I am not a veterinarian, professional chemist or particularly bright and certainly not a "Guru.".
- I assume you are of legal age, competent and it is legal for you to acquire, possess and use any materials or perform any action in your in your jurisdiction.
- When in doubt "don't."
Lifetime Charter Member
More K... OK?
Hi,
You will need to find an additional source of Potassium (K+2), the KH2PO4 is a really great source of phosphate,and you would end up dosing very high phosphates to have a reasonable level of potassium.
Something like Potassium phosphate (K2SO4) is a good source.
If you care to share your tank volume statistics perhaps we can be of more help.
Biollante
The first sign we don't know what we are doing is an obsession with numbers. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Disclaimer: I am not trying to make you mad, it is just what I am, an evil plant monster, 'nuf said.
- I believe the information I am giving is sound, I am not a veterinarian, professional chemist or particularly bright and certainly not a "Guru.".
- I assume you are of legal age, competent and it is legal for you to acquire, possess and use any materials or perform any action in your in your jurisdiction.
- When in doubt "don't."
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