Aquatic Plant Central - View Single Post - 85G Tank

MatPat · 04-05-2005, 11:28 AM

First thing is to try and figure out the actual volume of your tank. I have used the total volume multiplied by 0.85 to get the volume of my tanks. For your tank this would be 85 x 0.85 = 72.5. I think this is pretty close but if you are using a sump, be sure to add in the volume of the sump or other large filters.

If you are using Chuck's Planted Aquarium Caculator select your nutrient compound from the pull down list. After that, select a measurement, either grams, teaspoons, or tablespoons. I use teaspoons for ease of use. Go to the tank size and enter the volume you calculated above 72.5 gal (I rounded up to 75gal for filter/s). Where you can choose Mix solution or Add dry compound directly to tank, select add dry. I use the dry method so I don't have to fuss with mixing a solution. This will save you the frustration of trying to mix up solutions while trying to learn how to dose.

For your tank, if I select NITRATE in Potassium Nitrate (KNO3), add 0.5 tsp for the amount of compound, the values at the bottom will show the amount of NO3 in 1/2 tsp = 6.04ppm KNO3. I usually add my dry ferts to a small bottle of water, shake and then add them to the tank. Some do add their dry ferts directly to the tank.

You can go through each of the ferts this way and see what they will add in certain amounts.

1/2 tsp KNO3 ~ 6ppm Nitrate
1/8 tsp KH2PO4 ~ 1.5 ppm Phosphate

You may or may not want to add Potassium Sulfate to your tank. Please note that there is Potassium (K) in Potassium NItrate (KNO3). You can use the Nutrient Compound pulldown to select POTASSIUM in Potassium Nitrate also!

I mix up my CSM+B at a rate of 2 tablespoons to 500ml. I dose 30ml every other day in my 75g. I have a lot of stem plants so the tank is a fairly fast grower and as a result will use more nutrients.

I think Greg's site says to use 1 tablespoon of CSM+B in 500ml. For this you would use (I think) 6.25 ml of CSM+B for every 5ml (teaspoon) of Flourish. Please double check his site for the mixing instructions.

I would leave out the PO4 dosing until you get the PO4 lowered either with water changes or plant plant uptake.

You probably didn't need to add the RO right to the tank when mixing it with your tap water, but that would depend on your tap readings and how low or high you want your GH and KH to be. Hindsight is always 20/20 ain't it

1/2 tsp of KNO3 and 1/8 tsp of KH2PO4 would probably be a good start for your tank (after you get the PO4 lowered). Add the ferts after the water change and at midweek. You could then add your CSM+B the next day. I usually like to test my NO3 and PO4 (when I change my dosing routine) before the water change so I know what the tank has used throughout the week.

I would probably add some more plants to get the tank started. You can always trade/sell them if you decide you don't want them later. However, the more you start out the more nutrients the tank will use and the less chance algae will take hold.

I hope this didn't confuse you more

If I did confuse you feel free to PM me or keep posting and people will help you out.

04-05-2005, 11:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
MatPat Moderator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 3,819 iTrader Ratings: 34 iTrader Positive Rating: 100% Plant Points: 133525	First thing is to try and figure out the actual volume of your tank. I have used the total volume multiplied by 0.85 to get the volume of my tanks. For your tank this would be 85 x 0.85 = 72.5. I think this is pretty close but if you are using a sump, be sure to add in the volume of the sump or other large filters. If you are using Chuck's Planted Aquarium Caculator select your nutrient compound from the pull down list. After that, select a measurement, either grams, teaspoons, or tablespoons. I use teaspoons for ease of use. Go to the tank size and enter the volume you calculated above 72.5 gal (I rounded up to 75gal for filter/s). Where you can choose Mix solution or Add dry compound directly to tank, select add dry. I use the dry method so I don't have to fuss with mixing a solution. This will save you the frustration of trying to mix up solutions while trying to learn how to dose. For your tank, if I select NITRATE in Potassium Nitrate (KNO3), add 0.5 tsp for the amount of compound, the values at the bottom will show the amount of NO3 in 1/2 tsp = 6.04ppm KNO3. I usually add my dry ferts to a small bottle of water, shake and then add them to the tank. Some do add their dry ferts directly to the tank. You can go through each of the ferts this way and see what they will add in certain amounts. 1/2 tsp KNO3 ~ 6ppm Nitrate 1/8 tsp KH2PO4 ~ 1.5 ppm Phosphate You may or may not want to add Potassium Sulfate to your tank. Please note that there is Potassium (K) in Potassium NItrate (KNO3). You can use the Nutrient Compound pulldown to select POTASSIUM in Potassium Nitrate also! I mix up my CSM+B at a rate of 2 tablespoons to 500ml. I dose 30ml every other day in my 75g. I have a lot of stem plants so the tank is a fairly fast grower and as a result will use more nutrients. I think Greg's site says to use 1 tablespoon of CSM+B in 500ml. For this you would use (I think) 6.25 ml of CSM+B for every 5ml (teaspoon) of Flourish. Please double check his site for the mixing instructions. I would leave out the PO4 dosing until you get the PO4 lowered either with water changes or plant plant uptake. You probably didn't need to add the RO right to the tank when mixing it with your tap water, but that would depend on your tap readings and how low or high you want your GH and KH to be. Hindsight is always 20/20 ain't it 1/2 tsp of KNO3 and 1/8 tsp of KH2PO4 would probably be a good start for your tank (after you get the PO4 lowered). Add the ferts after the water change and at midweek. You could then add your CSM+B the next day. I usually like to test my NO3 and PO4 (when I change my dosing routine) before the water change so I know what the tank has used throughout the week. I would probably add some more plants to get the tank started. You can always trade/sell them if you decide you don't want them later. However, the more you start out the more nutrients the tank will use and the less chance algae will take hold. I hope this didn't confuse you more If I did confuse you feel free to PM me or keep posting and people will help you out.