Ei Ferts From Ae?

[fishbone]

Okay so I've decided that when I move I'm going to redo my corner tank and start EI. I've worked out that there will be 2.3watts per gallon, I have diy co2. Have ordered a drop checker and better difuser,so I can see how stable my co2 is. Might need to upgrade to injected co2. Haven't decided yet, but I think I'll go with eco complete for the substrate. At the moment it's just black gravel.

I've read through the EI pinned article and just want to check I'm ordering the right stuff.

Dry Ferts from AE:
(100g of each)
Mono Potassium Phosphate
Potassium Nitrate
Potassium Sulphate

Trace mix is what I'm not sure about. Do I buy the 100g trace elements mix or the Tropica plant Nutrition (250ml) or the Tropica PN+?
OR Seachem Flourish trace?

I think I would prefer the trace elements mix, but would I still need either the tropica or Seachem aswell?

Is there anything I'm missing?

Thanks in advance
K

 

[George Farmer]

Trace elements mix powder is ok and the cheapest option. You won't need to buy the Tropica or Seachem then.

I get better results from the Tropica liquid. You won't need the "+" version is you'll be getting NP from the Potassium nitrate and Potassium phosphate.

I've not actually tried Seachem yet , but it's widely used and respected too. Get the Seachem Flourish over the Flourish Trace though, if you do decide on Seachem. The Trace version is basically a diluted version of the regular Flourish.

 

[RadaR]

I assume the dry ferts will be dissolved into a soltion of water before dosing? Or are you dry dosing?

I'm sure James would tell you this, but you may not actually need to change your existing gravel. If you supply everything the plants need in the water then they will abosorb from there. The gravel should still be of a good size, around 3mm.

 

[nry]

Try the powder trace first - if it clouds your water (like it did for me) then go for the Tropica liquid instead, which for me does not cloud my water, but is more expensive especially for larger tanks. I also found that the SeaChem liquid clouded my water aswell.

 

[fishbone]

I assume the dry ferts will be dissolved into a soltion of water before dosing? Or are you dry dosing?

I'm sure James would tell you this, but you may not actually need to change your existing gravel. If you supply everything the plants need in the water then they will abosorb from there. The gravel should still be of a good size, around 3mm.

Yes the ferts will be dissolved into water before dosing, I think it'll make it easier for measuring out. The gravel is around 3mm. Will I not need something for any root feeding plants (swords?) Or could I manage by adding root tabs?

K

 

[fishbone]

Try the powder trace first - if it clouds your water (like it did for me) then go for the Tropica liquid instead, which for me does not cloud my water, but is more expensive especially for larger tanks. I also found that the SeaChem liquid clouded my water aswell.

What causes the trace to cloud? Is it hard water, I'm sure I read that somewhere, in which case , I shall probably just go straight for the tropica liquid. I'm in a pretty hard water area. Having said that, I might get away with it when I move, will have to wait and see on that one, as I don't know what the water is like in the new place.
Roll on payday, I'll get stocked up and start planning some sort of scape!

Thanks guys
K

 

[RadaR]

I assume the dry ferts will be dissolved into a soltion of water before dosing? Or are you dry dosing?

I'm sure James would tell you this, but you may not actually need to change your existing gravel. If you supply everything the plants need in the water then they will abosorb from there. The gravel should still be of a good size, around 3mm.

Yes the ferts will be dissolved into water before dosing, I think it'll make it easier for measuring out. The gravel is around 3mm. Will I not need something for any root feeding plants (swords?) Or could I manage by adding root tabs?

K

If you do have any swords or crypts then yes I do reccomend some root tabs because they are heavy feeders.