[Featherstone]

Anyone know of a good premixed fertilizer? I'm new to ferts so having a premix is helpful (I don't mind mixing in water, or dosing a premix of macros and on a different day a premix of micros).

I've been dosing Flourish excel and Flourish (micro nutrients) about once a week each, but running low and thinking of switching. What would yall recommend?

Note: There will be RCS and snails relocating to this tank in near future.

 

[Raymond S.]

http://greenleafaquariums.com/aquarium-fertilizer.html
http://aquariumfertilizer.com/index.asp?Option1=cats&Edit=2&EditU=1&Regit=2
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=506393&highlight=
Perpetual Preservation System Pro is a liquid that you mix with either/both
of Micro/Macro ferts...comes pre-packaged plus the plastic bottles for it
on the first link.
Estimative Index is on first, second and a kit containing the plastic bottles to use it are on the third link.
On the fert section and on the first thread of it is a calculator for getting the amounts to just DIY from individually bought nutrients.

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/fertilizing/15225-estimative-index-dosing-guide.html

 

[Diana]

I would not get pre-mixed. Your tank might not need the ferts in the ratio of the mix.
Get each one separately. Start making small batches following a recipe like the Estimative Index. See how the tank responds and alter the recipe.
If you are running a low tech tank then fish food is probably supplying a fair amount of N, P and most traces, but is low in K, Fe and Ca.
If you are running a high tech tank then fish food is probably not supplying much fertiilzer. The plants are using it up and wanting more.

KNO3. Low tech: won't use much. High tech: use lots.

KH2PO4: Low tech: won't use much. High tech: Still won't use much, the dosing is low, but important. Don't skip it.

K2SO4: Low tech: This is the main source of K in a tank where you do not dose much KNO3. High tech: Won't use much. KNO3 is the main source of K. Might use some, so I would still get some.

CSM+B: Will use in both systems, but not much in low tech.

Chelated Iron: Will use in both systems.

GH booster: If your GH is low then you will use some at each water change. Check the tank through the week, and you might need to add some between water changes, if the plants and fish use enough of the minerals.

 

[Featherstone]

Ah, makes sense. This is very helpful.

What does the CSM+B stand for? I've seen it mentioned quite a few times but haven't seen the non-abbreviated version. Do any of the common ferts or the ones mentioned above inversely affect inverts?

Also, where do most users get their dry ferts from? Are there any a-typical stores that sell them, such as homedepot?

 

[jrman83]

I started with a pre-mix a few years ago. It is better than getting a liquid in a bottle. Green leaf, link above, sells the PMDD pack. Stands for poor man's dosing drops.

I would recommend you get your ferts from one of the above links. Store-bought ferts like in HD are not suited for tanks.

 

[Zorfox]

Ah, makes sense. This is very helpful.

What does the CSM+B stand for? I've seen it mentioned quite a few times but haven't seen the non-abbreviated version. Do any of the common ferts or the ones mentioned above inversely affect inverts?

Also, where do most users get their dry ferts from? Are there any a-typical stores that sell them, such as homedepot?

CSM is the abbreviation for Chelated Secondary Micronutrient. The +B is the addition of boron usually by the seller since Plantex (Nutritrace) does not have additional boron.

The fertilizers mentioned are safe for most inverts. However, you must maintain water changes or appropriate dosing otherwise the levels can become toxic for your inverts.

The links above are the most common sources for the planted tank here in the US. There are many sources for various fertilizers. Those just happen to be the most popular. Large chain stores typically don't carry the fertilizers needed. You may be able to locate them at local Hydroponic stores if you prefer local sources.

 

[jmf3460]

I get premixed ferts from nilocg on here, his ferts are perfect and I don't have to worry about mixing them, he even sends the dosing bottle. I strongly advise you use his ferts.