Derek Benson wrote:
On Thu, 09 Jun 2005 16:52:38 GMT, Elaine T
wrote:


Free nitrates vs root tabs really depends on the plant and substrate.
KNO3 works VERY well for stem plants and floating plants. Swords and
crypts prefer substrate fertilization.


I'm curious as to whether it is a good idea under any circumstances
whatsoever to add nitrate to an aquarium stocked with fish. Nitrate is
the stuff we're trying to dilute out of there by changing water. I
would think it isn't a good idea to start adding the stuff on purpose.
(?)

-Derek

It's funny - when I think of something odd to add to a tank, CO2 always
comes to mind. You're turning off your airstone and adding what?!? ;-)

It doesn't take much nitrate. Recommended nitrate levels in planted
tanks are about 5-10 ppm depending on who you read. That's not enough
to bother even discus but it can make a huge difference in plant health
and growth. Rapidly growing plants can and will remove all the nitrogen
of all forms out of the water in lightly stocked tanks and then starve.

I have a 10 gallon heavily planted tank with only 4 guppies and 2 Otos
in it at the moment. Nitrates go to zero a couple days after a water
change with my 4 ppm tapwater unless I add more. If I don't add
nitrates, the java moss goes brown, the rotala stalls, the baby's tears
stop pearling, and sheets of blue green algae form over the substrate.
I add about 8 ppm nitrates, siphon off the BGA, and all is well again.

Another thing Mr. Zee should be adding is potash, if it isn't in his
trace element mix. KN03 adds some, but ideally you want around twice as
much potash as nitrogen.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html '__
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com