Newbie Guide to PPS-Pro - Page 6 - PPS Analysis and Feedback

jazzlvr123 · 07-19-2007, 06:05 PM

Isn’t pps pro just a generalized solution to fit all aquariums? Wouldn’t one benefit more from using pps classic so you can measure the actual nutrient intake of your specific tank? rather than dosing some broad generalization of nutrients that aquarists assume will work in most tanks, for example not all tanks have the same PO4 intake, so tanks that require very high PO4 levels such as aquariums with a lot of Rotalas in it might not get sufficient PO4 levels from this pps "pro" dosing scheme while at the same time tanks that do not need much PO4 at all (such as echinodorus specialized tanks) might encounter algae problems because of excessive PO4 levels with the same dosing solution.

snickle · 07-19-2007, 06:16 PM

There is some truth to your statement. PPS-Pro will not work under all situations. It is designed for the general planted aquarium and should do well for most. When you start mentioning specialized tanks, then you introduce specialized requirements. Then yes, PPS classic is a better choice.

PPS-Pro is designed to be easy. Some of us prefer that. It is all a matter of effort. I use PPS-Pro on my 90G planted. With a DIY doser, I have good success with very little daily effort. On my 2.5G Nano, I use a different approach and spend a ton of time on it with very little success.

It is really about what your goal is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzlvr123

Isn’t pps pro just a generalized solution to fit all aquariums? Wouldn’t one benefit more from using pps classic so you can measure the actual nutrient intake of your specific tank? rather than dosing some broad generalization of nutrients that aquarists assume will work in most tanks, for example not all tanks have the same PO4 intake, so tanks that require very high PO4 levels such as aquariums with a lot of Rotalas in it might not get sufficient PO4 levels from this pps "pro" dosing scheme while at the same time tanks that do not need much PO4 at all (such as echinodorus specialized tanks) might encounter algae problems because of excessive PO4 levels with the same dosing solution.

Laith · 07-19-2007, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzlvr123

Isn’t pps pro just a generalized solution to fit all aquariums? Wouldn’t one benefit more from using pps classic so you can measure the actual nutrient intake of your specific tank? rather than dosing some broad generalization of nutrients that aquarists assume will work in most tanks, for example not all tanks have the same PO4 intake, so tanks that require very high PO4 levels such as aquariums with a lot of Rotalas in it might not get sufficient PO4 levels from this pps "pro" dosing scheme while at the same time tanks that do not need much PO4 at all (such as echinodorus specialized tanks) might encounter algae problems because of excessive PO4 levels with the same dosing solution.

You're probably right about this (except I've never had algae problems due specifically to high PO4 levels). I'm currently testing the PPS-Pro and find that it doesn't appear to contain enough PO4 for the tank I'm testing it on; was getting GSA which I never had before. I increased (actually doubled) the amount of PO4 in the PPS-Pro solution and the GSA didn't re-appear.

My opinion is that like any fert scheme, it may need some tweaking to fit one's own tank/requirements. I find it easier to tweak PPS-Pro than moving to a system that requires much testing to get the levels right.

But then again... I'm lazy!

Edward · 07-20-2007, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzlvr123

Isn’t PPS-Pro just a generalized solution to fit all aquariums? Wouldn’t one benefit more from using PPS-Classic so you can measure the actual nutrient intake of your specific tank?

Take a look at the other fertilizers, commercial and diy. They come as a set of multiple containers and a note saying it’s your problem now, dose whatever you want then dispose your toxic water because you will never be able to maintain reasonable nutrient levels for long.

PPS-Classic and PPS-Pro are the two most advanced aquatic fertilizers. Both can be used indefinitely without the risk of making water toxic and without water changes.

PPS-Classic grows the best and fastest plants but requires NO3 and PO4 weekly and Mg monthly testing. Some people especially aquascapers want system that is easy to use, doesn’t need testing and tweaking and works with all lights and substrates. It is PPS-Pro.

Thank you
Edward

reefcrawler · 01-26-2008, 05:33 PM

Thanks,
this thread is exactly what I need to solve many puzzles in my mind to plany my tank. great job and good information.

styderman · 03-20-2008, 02:43 AM

Is making the pps-pro solution in a 500ml bottle better than making it in a liter bottle? I just made a liter size bottle and my tanks just started to break out with silk algae and brown hair algae. I am going to make a 500ml bottle again. I switched cause I am to lazy to make the solution every month. What are your opinions?

dawntwister · 03-25-2008, 10:14 PM

I keep looking and looking and don't find the PPS-Pro formula. What is the formula? Was told rex grigs sells the firts for the forumula. He says water changes have to be done weekly using his ferts. PPS-Pro formula promotes little water changes. Thus I am confused.

Left C · 03-26-2008, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawntwister

I keep looking and looking and don't find the PPS-Pro formula. What is the formula? Was told rex grigs sells the firts for the forumula. He says water changes have to be done weekly using his ferts. PPS-Pro formula promotes little water changes. Thus I am confused.

The formula is in the very first post in this thread. Snickle listed it.

Anywho ... here it is again:

Quote:

Originally Posted by snickle

Is there where you give us the formula?

Yes.

Macro Solution

In 1 liter bottle:
59 grams K2SO4 (Potassium Sulfate)
65 grams KNO3 (Potassium Nitrate)
6 grams KH2PO4 (Mono Potassium Phosphate)
41 grams MgSO4 (Magnesium Sulfate)
Fill with distilled water and shake well. Let sit overnight.

Micro Solution

In 1 liter bottle:
80 grams of CSM+B or equivalent trace element mix
Fill with distilled water and shake well. Let sit overnight.

How do I dose PPS-Pro solutions?

Dose 1 ml of each solution per ten gallons of tank size. Dose prior to lights turning on.

Do I need a scale? Can’t I just measure the stuff with a spoon?

You need an accurate scale The scale needs to measure to the gram. Dry chemicals are very powerful and quantities need to be specific.

Where can I get a scale?

Ebay

Where can I get the chemicals?

There are many options, but a common one is here:
http://www.aquariumfertilizer.com/
http://www.hydroponics.com/nutrient/sixpack.html

Can I mix the two solutions in one bottle?

No. The solution must be kept separate. The trace elements in the Micro mix react badly with the Macro components of the other mix at the concentration present in the solutions ...

Nevermore · 08-11-2008, 03:41 PM

I would like to use Flourish instead of CSM+B. Can I do that? If so, what amount would be equivalent?

ray-the-pilot · 08-11-2008, 04:25 PM

They are not the same but if you are worried about iron, 1.2 ml of Flourish is equal to 0.06 gm of CSM +B, maybe.

The actual amount of iron in your tank water will be effected by the chelating agents in each; so, the only way you could tell for sure is by testing for iron.

Anyway, if you follow the label directions on the Flourish, you should be OK for iron.