scaling caused by liquid ferts?

[wetworks]

Hello planted tankers. I recently switched liquid ferts, and after I did I noticed that I got a huge amount of mineral scaling (like in saltwater tanks) on my aquariums. This is especially apparent in my 6g Edge. The only thing that I changed was the ferts. What is the cause for this? Is there anything I can do to prevent it? Thanks!

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi wetworks,

Specifically what liquid ferts are you using?

[wetworks]

RootMedic micro/macro. I switched from Seachem products. I am very happy with the new ferts (so are my plants) so I am willing to put up with a bit of mess in order to get healthier plants. I am more curious than anything.

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi wetworks,

I just visited the Rootmedic website, it appears to be under construction with no information on the various products or their ingredients. Probably the best path would be to contact Justin on the Rootmedic sub-forum and pose your question there.

[wetworks]

Originally Posted by Seattle_Aquarist

Hi wetworks,

I just visited the Rootmedic website, it appears to be under construction with no information on the various products or their ingredients. Probably the best path would be to contact Justin on the Rootmedic sub-forum and pose your question there.

I honestly was not sure if this was a general question (does this happen with other ferts?) or not, so I did not direct the question to Justin and instead posted it here. Also, I am very curious why the scaling is more pronounced in the 6g Edge than any of my other tanks. I suspect that it has to do with having more surface area for condensation to form, but I am not sure...

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi wetworks,

I fertilize using the EI method and I do not have an issue with 'scaling' in any of my tanks; I do not use Rootmedic products.

[Diana]

I have used quite a few fertilizers, and not noticed any scaling.
The only tank that does this is my brackish water tank, and that is the minerals and salt that I use to make it brackish.
Even my Lake Tanganyika tank (hard water) does not have any sort of scaling.

[wetworks]

Because the scaling started after I changed ferts, my first guess was that the ferts would be the cause. If there is another reason for the mineral deposits, what could it be? I also am very confused because the scaling is only in my 10g, 15g, and 6g. None of my other tanks, which are in the 20g to 55g range show this at all, though I dose the same fert regimen in all of my aquariums. The only other variable that I can think of is the three smaller tanks don't have any fish in them- they are plant only right now. If this is not the ferts, then what is the cause?

[Diana]

It sure sounds suggestive.
Could the smaller tanks have more evaporation, resulting in higher mineral concentration? (Might be related not to the change in fertilizer, but to the change in seasons. Warmer weather = more evaporation)
Perhaps test the TDS and see if that is related.

Fish vs no fish... uh... fish food vs no fish food. I have not heard of high mineral levels in fish food, except in those stupid plaster vacation feeders. But you would not put vacation feeders in tanks with no fish, would you ;-) and that is where the deposits are. In the tanks with no fish.

[Dmckmc]

FWIW, I use root medic in my 60g without scaling. But when I slop water on the glass exterior, it smudges and I need windex to clean it....

[wetworks]

Thanks all for your replies. Looks like this will just remain a mystery.

[OverStocked]

I can tell you it isn't the RootMedic that is causing it. The compounds used for RootMedic are identical to those used in seachem products or EI dosing. No magic or hocus pocus in there.

The likely thing is that evaporation us going faster right now as temps rise and humidity drops from your AC running full tilt in FL. I get more scaling in the summer when the AC runs more.

The other thing that could change is your source water. TDS goes up and down and in some places it changes more than others.

As for dealing with the scaling. Keep water levels high. Use a cover. And razor blade the crud off once a week to prevent it from being too caked on.

[wetworks]

Thanks for clearing it up. I thought it may have been just a coincidence that the scaling started with the fert change- but since it was the only *obvious* difference I thought the question bore asking. I did not post it in your sub-forum, because I was not sure it was a RootMedic-related issue or something else I was missing. Looks now like I should have just asked you!

Originally Posted by OverStocked

I can tell you it isn't the RootMedic that is causing it. The compounds used for RootMedic are identical to those used in seachem products or EI dosing. No magic or hocus pocus in there.

The likely thing is that evaporation us going faster right now as temps rise and humidity drops from your AC running full tilt in FL. I get more scaling in the summer when the AC runs more.

The other thing that could change is your source water. TDS goes up and down and in some places it changes more than others.

As for dealing with the scaling. Keep water levels high. Use a cover. And razor blade the crud off once a week to prevent it from being too caked on.

[Chlorophile]

Your water from the tap can change randomly too, especially in the summer, they will raise the KH and add more chlorine to prevent nasties which like the warmer water.