Dosing a new tank with Aquasoil...

[ShadowMac]

I am wondering, is there any benefit to dosing K2SO4 and traces in a new tank that has Aquasoil due to the higher amounts of N and P released by the substrate? Would standard EI be just fine?

[ShadowMac]

I'm surprised at no responses to this query...

*BUMP*

[ShadowMac]

just to clarify...in case there were some questions about what I meant.

Since aquasoil releases higher levels of Nitrates and Phosphates in its initial stages, I was wondering if only dosing K and traces would be a good idea. Say a solution of ferts that is more like the ADA step 1.

Or should it not matter and starting right away with standard EI dosing would be fine.


To add another question to the thread, since it has received such attention

I want to make a macro solution, and in the past have used WET's calculator to make one using KNO3 and KH2PO4. I was thinking of adding some K2SO4 to the mix to up a bit of the K. How much would be wise? It would be a 500 ml solution. I could do a 1000ml solution if that would solve some...solvency issues.

[Tom Barr]

You can go either way, I've found over the first 2-4 weeks, does not matter much. Traces are quite high in the sediment, but K+ is not.

[ShadowMac]

I think I will try blasting it with a K2SO4 solution for the first few weeks, then switch to standard EI.

[Crispino Ramos]

I used potassium sulfate as a substitute for GH booster since I have 100% RO/DI tank water.

[Tom Barr]

GH booster also would do the same pretty much.

[Crispino Ramos]

GH booster also would do the same pretty much.

Tom, Which is better, GH Booster or potassium sulfate?

[Tom Barr]

Tom, Which is better, GH Booster or potassium sulfate?

For the 1st 1-2 weeks?
Doubt you could tell much difference.

But as GH booster is 50% K2SO4, after some time, the Ca/Mg would decline...........both are water column derived.....but large water changes with tap fix most of those issues also, but GH booster would help just in case.

[ShadowMac]

I was looking over some numbers. From the ADA fert analysis it states dosing reaches roughly 24 ppm's per week Potassium. EI's upper ranges are set around 33 ppm's.

When I use Wet's calculator for EI daily dosing with KNO3, KH2PO4, and as much K2SO4 that will dissolve in a 500 ml container I get nowhere near the 24 ppm's.

Is it possible that the tank may run low on potassium? Would it be a good idea to add more K? How would I do that? Should I just add a big dose of K2SO4 directly to the tank at water change?