[crashnt24]

I want to take a different approach to the TDS water change method. I want a heavily stocked tank and feed heavily for PO4 and NO3. I want to be able to test these parameters to see if I need additional dosing. I also know when you dose NO3 and PO4, your also dosing K. Therefore I want to monitor K to see if dosing outside of NO3 and PO4 are necessary. Also for the reason if my feeding and stocking keeps NO3 and PO4 at desirable levels, I assume i'll need to dose K. My goal is to have a water change free tank. I have a spare Dos pumps, I want to see if its feasible to create a "Triton" style approach to planted freshwater tanks. My goal is to never water change and dose the tank according to test results to create stability. Heck, if I can grow corals in the same manner, can't I grow plants using the same method? Water changes are hard on large tanks and unnecessary if you maintain parameters.

My ultimate question is... Where can I find quality test kits for my list in the title? I don't like API, they aren't very accurate and I cant find potassium test kits. I did some google searching and I'm not sure of the best freshwater test kits. Any suggestions?

 

[Edward]

I want to take a different approach to the TDS water change method. I want a heavily stocked tank and feed heavily for PO4 and NO3. I want to be able to test these parameters to see if I need additional dosing. I also know when you dose NO3 and PO4, your also dosing K. Therefore I want to monitor K to see if dosing outside of NO3 and PO4 are necessary. Also for the reason if my feeding and stocking keeps NO3 and PO4 at desirable levels, I assume i'll need to dose K. My goal is to have a water change free tank. I have a spare Dos pumps, I want to see if its feasible to create a "Triton" style approach to planted freshwater tanks. My goal is to never water change and dose the tank according to test results to create stability. Heck, if I can grow corals in the same manner, can't I grow plants using the same method? Water changes are hard on large tanks and unnecessary if you maintain parameters.

My ultimate question is... Where can I find quality test kits for my list in the title? I don't like API, they aren't very accurate and I cant find potassium test kits. I did some google searching and I'm not sure of the best freshwater test kits. Any suggestions?

Hello @dukydaf ... welcome back


.

 

[ahem]

As far as I can tell all Nitrate test kits pretty much suck. I've tried a few different consumer grade brands and API is the best one even though it is quite imprecise (e.g. I have somewhere 10-30ppm of nitrates). Lamotte may make one that works but expect to spend $100 or so for it and reagents.

Hanna makes a light based "checker" device. I use them for both iron and phosphates. See the Hanna HC Phosphate Low Range checker. As far as I can tell this is thing is very accurate. They even make test samples for these testers so you can be assured they are accurate.

I have never seen a potassium test. Again, I'm sure Lamotte has one but expect to spend a bundle.

Unless you are someplace that water is extra expensive, why go to all this trouble?

 

[Edward]

Hello @dukydaf, your resume keeps growing


1 dukydaf’s Headquarters, banned
https://www.plantedtank.net/forums/members/3753-dukydaf.html

2 dukydaf’s multiple account, banned
https://www.plantedtank.net/forums/members/398345-thomas8912.html

3 dukydaf’s multiple account, banned
https://www.plantedtank.net/forums/members/400653-randy_cook.html

4 dukydaf’s multiple account, banned
https://www.plantedtank.net/forums/members/400679-kamkam.html

5 dukydaf’s multiple account
https://www.plantedtank.net/forums/members/413299-wghfsu.html

6 dukydaf’s multiple account
https://www.plantedtank.net/forums/members/413145-crashnt24.html

7 dukydaf’s multiple account
https://www.plantedtank.net/forums/members/413121-chicagoplanted.html

8
Coming soon