Hi and thanks for the super informative,swift response!
given the um... new isolation measures we’re all under, the tank’s had some nice recent attention I’m glad to say. Sparkling gravel, filter clean( one of two), water change rigour, lower nitrates, good fert dosing and some solid hours of late night aqua- google homework and online supply stocking lol !!!
So I have equilibrium, ferts, and a PO4 test kit on the way. Ran out of K 10 days ago, so keen for that. Will definitely look into the matrix thanks ;)
When I first set up I was advised to use phosguard for the rain water algae possibly, and did so but removed it after a couple of months due to poor plant performance. Things got better but got a visit from old Blackbeard the aqua- pirate until I learned of excel !!!. Also once plants thickened up that helped a lot too. That said I’m keen now to test for and monitor these levels. Ok some questions:
when I use the API nitrate test, if I hold the test tube hard against the white card (between colours) it shows a lot darker than if it’s off a bit... which should I judge off ? - is it ok to rinse filter media in my (rain) tap water ? (I’ve always done this without issues as it’s not treated, and I rotate the cleaning between two filters so one always has a bio colony going). -is there any overdosing issues I should be wary of with Macros or micros ?(heard of K,Ca,Mg concerns) - can nitrogen ‘burn’ as it can with terrestrial plants ? And finally is there Ca and Mg test kits to buy??? I’d like to get properly set up now. As I said earlier we live semi- isolated so a quick trip to the local pet store ain’t real quick haha thanks again !
given the um... new isolation measures we’re all under, the tank’s had some nice recent attention I’m glad to say. Sparkling gravel, filter clean( one of two), water change rigour, lower nitrates, good fert dosing and some solid hours of late night aqua- google homework and online supply stocking lol !!!
So I have equilibrium, ferts, and a PO4 test kit on the way. Ran out of K 10 days ago, so keen for that. Will definitely look into the matrix thanks ;)
When I first set up I was advised to use phosguard for the rain water algae possibly, and did so but removed it after a couple of months due to poor plant performance. Things got better but got a visit from old Blackbeard the aqua- pirate until I learned of excel !!!. Also once plants thickened up that helped a lot too. That said I’m keen now to test for and monitor these levels. Ok some questions:
when I use the API nitrate test, if I hold the test tube hard against the white card (between colours) it shows a lot darker than if it’s off a bit... which should I judge off ? - is it ok to rinse filter media in my (rain) tap water ? (I’ve always done this without issues as it’s not treated, and I rotate the cleaning between two filters so one always has a bio colony going). -is there any overdosing issues I should be wary of with Macros or micros ?(heard of K,Ca,Mg concerns) - can nitrogen ‘burn’ as it can with terrestrial plants ? And finally is there Ca and Mg test kits to buy??? I’d like to get properly set up now. As I said earlier we live semi- isolated so a quick trip to the local pet store ain’t real quick haha thanks again !
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