[Revan]

If you use only Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) to add calcium you add too much Cl- and your plants may be not very happy.

It is better to use Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) or even better a mix of CaSO4 and CaCl2.

To add magnesium I also use Epsom Salts.

Calcium Carbonate is very difficult to dissolve (far more difficult than CaSO4)

To raise the KH value you can use Baking Soda (NaHCO3) but in this way you are adding a lot of sodium (Na+). Personally I use a mix of NaHCO3 and KHCO3.

 

[Revan]

Yes, and according to Seachem:
"Equilibrium™ is specifically designed to establish the ideal mineral content for the planted aquarium. Equilibrium™ contains no sodium or chloride (which can be detrimental to a planted aquarium at elevated levels)"

There are also studies about Na toxicity for plants search with Google for SAR (sodium absorption ratio)

Best Regards

 

[Revan]

Since we do regular water changes under EI, the chances of reading bad levels of sodium is minimal. Having seen the amount of salt it takes to produce sea water (1/2 cup per gallon), the sodium contained in the baking soda required to get to 4 dkh (something like 3/4 tsp per 20g) comes nowhere close.

In Sea Water all of your plants will die...... to reach 4°dKH with only NaHCO3 you are adding 33mg/l of Na+.
You say that It is a minimal amount; I think that is an high amount.
Your plant will survive but your plant may do better with less Na+.

Sorry for my bad English.

Best Regards

 

[Revan]

Yes, but my point is that we're far from creating sea water with the sodium contained in baking soda. The chart on this page (http://www.finostrom.com.gr/images/aqua/fertilizers/map.htm) lists Na as a beneficial nutrient for aquatic plants.

Yes, and it is beneficial at 1ppm or at 10ppm or at 100ppm?
Or at 100ppm may be a problem?
And you are so sure that at 30ppm is beneficial and it is not a problem?

Iron is needed by plant but if you add 10ppm or iron from iron sulfate all your plant will die.
But plant need iron.....

I don't trust Tom Barr and who follow him

Good Bye