[jmhart]

I have a question about doing MgSO4 with PPS. As soon as I run out of my EI macro mix, I'm switching over to PPS-Pro. I've already switched my traces. This is on a 45g, but it's kind of a test before I build my 180.

Out of the tap, my water is as soft as it gets, practically 0 dKH, and about 2 dGH. Using baking soda and "Barr's" GH Booster, I artificially raise my parameters up to 4 dKH and 8 dGH. This happens once a week due to water change. I haven't tested my water right before a water change, so I don't know what my hardness levels are at by the end of the week.

I started upping my GH after months of trying to find out why my reds wouldn't go red. After a lot of research, came across a post(on here, I think) by Tom Barr telling someone to raise their GH. I gave it a shot, and BOOM, reds exploded.

My question is, how does this effect Mg+ dosing with PPS-Pro? Or vis versa, how does upping my hardness effect Mg+ dosing? My largest goal of switching to PPS-Pro is reduce water changes. As I see it, PPS-Pro takes care of Mg+ and K+, but what about Calcium? Without water changes(and the subsequent increased GH from the booster), my tank would deplete all available calcium.

Additionally, how should I go about increasing KH via PPS?

 

[jmhart]

I don't adjust my KH (it is about 0 to 1 dKH) but I increase my GH by 3 dGH (which is also 0 to 1 dGH) using a GH Booster such as Seachem's Equilibrium. 16 grams or one tablespoon of Equilibrium per 20g increases the GH by 3 degrees or by 1 meq/L.

For many tap water suppliers, there is enough Ca, but Mg (via Epsom Salt) is too low and people only dose Epsom Salt for Mg.

Recently, most experiences indicate that increasing KH is not necessary.

I've had issues directly related to no KH and co2. 4dKH solution in my drop checker indicates green=good and when I have 0 dKH my fish have issues. If leave everything the same, except increase KH in the tank, fish are fine.

Assuming a heavily planted tank, and no water changes(or at least, infrequent), your plants will deplete Ca+.....there's no worry about this?

 

[jmhart]

There is no CaSO4 associated with PPS, so even if there is Ca+ provided via water changes, with infrequent water changes, you don't gain any more Ca+. This may not be an issue, but I'm just trying to be sure.

 

[jmhart]

Hi jmhart,

I have very soft water here in Seattle and was having trouble with the new growth of my plants, especially my stem plants, even when dosing PPS Pro.

The growth was very slow and the new leaves were small and deformed. I found this link:
http://www.finostrom.com.gr/images/aqua/fertilizers/map.htm
and determined it was likely either calcium or magnesium deficiency. I treated my tank with MgSO4 and CaCl. Now my plants are growing much faster, and the leaves are normal size and shape.

Thanks, but I've been dosing MgSO4 an CaSO4 for quite some time, but trying to figure out how to apply it to PPS.

 

[jmhart]

After doing some testing and a bit more research, I tend to agree with Edward. Ca+ doesn't really seem to be a limiting factor. Assuming monthly water changes, I think upping your GH with GH booster with your water change, and then dosing according to PPS or PPS-Pro (with Mg, no Ca) will be the way to go.