dosing ferts

louistheloach · 07-01-2009, 06:26 PM

I currently use PMDD for ferts in my 125. I have the nitrates mixed up separately so I have more control over the amount that goes in.

My question concerns the method of introducing the ferts into the tank.

I have read in a couple of places statements like: "lets be stirring the water as you add the ferts so no one gets hit with a cloud of the stuff....."

I usually add ferts at water change time so for example 5 ml of the pmdd would be diluted into 5 gallons of water. Sometimes I have to add ferts inbetween water change. (I dont like to do it daily so I shoot for a couple of times a week at a little higher doses.) So for example I just took about 3 gallons of water out of the tank and mixed in around 12 ml of the solution into the water and then poured the water back into the tank.

Is that a good enough dilution rate so as not to harm the fish. Anytime I come near the tank they are right there and seem to love the bubbles and the splashing. But today when after I added it, there was one little rainbow that was just very busy....I cant say I saw him under the flow, but his behavior just seemed a little odd.

ltl

Jay · 07-02-2009, 02:47 PM

I premix my dry ferts in filtered water. Nitrates Phosphates Potassium...I dissolve enough to dose my (2) 20 gallons three times or six doses. I use 100 ml per dose just to make it easy. 1 fert dose of KNO3 KH2PO4 and K2SO4 will easily dissolve in 100 ml of water. For my 75 I just put the powders into the HOB I use for surface skimming. Iron and Flourish liquids are dosed directly.

When I dose, I pour the liquid into the path of a filter outlet or into the HOB. I know what you are talking about attracting the fish, but I have never had a problem.

Do you remember the Fosters and Smith HOB I reviewed a while back. I am going to put a small one on each tank, which will eliminate pouring nutrients etc. directly into the tank. I think the ease and convenience is will be worth the small investment.

Jay

louistheloach · 07-02-2009, 06:41 PM

i do have the dry ferts mixed in ro water. I keep the stock in the fridge and keep by the tank a smaller amount. It is the liquid stuff that I diluted with the three gallons, then just poured in.....So you think that is a great enough dilution that it won't cause problems?

I got one of those HOB's. I thought about dosing the drops directly into the impeller chamber but wasn't sure that would dilute it enough or rather mix it in enough before it came out the front. I did that a while back on my 26 gallon bowfront and one of my guppy's must have got it right in the face because he showed signs of stress after doing it and was dead by morning. I did nothing else to the tank that day that would explain the sudden death.......so I have been a little nervous about it.

anyway.....back to the original reason for the post.....maybe his odd behavior is just that......odd behavior.

ltl