Edward

Please see the newer version PPS v.2005





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Perpetual Preservation System v.2004 by Edward.

Many aquatic hobbyists are looking for this method that doesn't require large water changes. The reason may be time or size of tanks. This system also works with periodic and random water changes.

Entering elements proportionally allows one to perpetually preserve an optimum balance of nutrients. A fixed ratio of elements, dosed every day at very small quantity to maintain desired concentration in the water column. Twice a month or so, testing only for NO3 and PO4 determines what to dose the following month.
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Standard Dosing:
NO3 - 0.75
PO4 - 0.25
K - 1.00
Mg - 0.10
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If testing of water column gives elevated NO3 level, then switch to NO3-FREE Dosing:
NO3 - 0.00
PO4 - 0.25
K - 1.00
Mg - 0.10
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If testing of water column gives elevated PO4 level, then switch to PO4-FREE Dosing:
NO3 - 0.75
PO4 - 0.00
K - 1.00
Mg - 0.10
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Solutions can be made as follow, K2SO4, KNO3, KH2PO4, MgSO4, CaCl2 and TE (trace elements).

Standard solution
0.75:0.25:1.00 (NO3:PO4:K)
KNO3 - 20.38 g
KH2PO4 - 5.97 g
K2SO4 - 15.74 g
in 500ml

NO3-FREE solution
0.00:0.25:1.00 (NO3:PO4:K)
KNO3 - 0.00 g
KH2PO4 - 5.97
K2SO4 - 33.30 g
in 500ml

PO4-FREE solution
0.75:0.00:1.00 (NO3:PO4:K)
KNO3 - 20.38 g
KH2PO4 - 0.00 g
K2SO4 - 19.56 g
in 500ml

Ca solution (for RO users only)
0.2 (Ca)
CaCl2 - 12.22 g (CaCl2 2H2O, Calcium Chloride Dihydrate)
in 500ml

Mg solution
0.1 (Mg)
MgSO4 - 16.90 g
in 500ml

These solutions make rated ppm at 3 ml / 100 l. Example: solution 0.75:0.25:1.0 at 3 ml in 100 liters make 0.75 ppm NO3, 0.25 ppm PO4 and 1.0 ppm K.
Dosing the same amount of ml, NO3:PO4:K:Mg solutions, make the most balanced nutrient spectrum.
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How to start:

1. Test for NO3 and PO4, make notes.

2. Keep dosing every day Standard and Mg solutions for 1 week. Test for NO3 and PO4 at the end of the week.

- If the ratio and levels are acceptable then continue the same dosing following week.
- If the levels are high, start dosing less ml the following week.
- If the ratio is wrong, discontinue the Standard solution and replace it with NO3-FREE or PO4-FREE solution. Keep dosing the following week then test again.

For 50 gallon tank at 1 Wpg Watt per gallon, dosing 3 ml every day keeps nutrients steady. For 130 gallon tank at 3 Wpg Watt per gallon, dosing 12 ml.

3. TE Trace elements is a separate issue. The best way is by observing plants for signs of deficiency, pale new growth. If that happens increase daily dose of the TE solution. Dosing 5 drops a day in 130 gallon tank at 3 Wpg Watt per gallon does the job. Overdosing is not beneficial.

TE Solution
0.1 (Fe)
TE - 23.81 g
in 500 ml

The CSM-B or Plant-Prod® Chelated Micronutrient Mix http://www.plantprod.com/catalogue/0...nutrients.html can be used.

4. To increase KH use CaCO3.

5.To increase Ca use CaSO4, Mg use MgSO4. Ratio Ca:Mg of 4:1 is done by dosing a mix of dry 1.5 g CaSO4 and 1.0 g of MgSO4.

This system is efficient and easy to do.
Thank you for your time,
Edward