Re: Buying KNO3 (Going above 1.5WPG Suggestions)

["Giancarlo" <gp at isaconsulting_com>]

Thanks for that tip, hopefully I'll have better luck there. For now I
decided to turn the lighting back down to 80W over the 55 gallon that's
experiencing these problems. As soon as I find it I'll try again. Any other
products/elements anyone would suggest I would need when increasing light
levels and plant growth?

In the past years I've always had low-med lighting, DIY CO2, good substrate
and a fertilizer such as Kent FP or similar. Never had to worry about other
products at those levels. Now with an extra 55W CF I found NO3 dropped to 0
even after a week of no water change, blackish spot algae on slower growing
leaves (eg. anubias), yellowing/losing some stem plants, and the water
sprite is growing out of control along with the various saggittarias. Guess
I wasn't quite ready to go to higher light levels when I did. Apart from
that I have 100% flourite substrate, low-med fish density and 2217 canister
filter. It's like starting the hobby from scratch again when you decide to
change the way you're used to doing things.

I'd appreciate any suggestions as I'd like my next test at increasing light
levels to be a little more successful. In the meanwhile it will give me a
chance to replace the cooling fan with a more silent one and make the speed
adjustable.

Thanks for your help!

Giancarlo Podio


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  a.. To: Aquatic Plants Digest <Aquatic-Plants at actwin_com>
  b.. Subject: Re: Buying KNO3
  c.. From: Chuck H <grendel at usit_net>
  d.. Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 14:06:08 -0500
--- Original Message ---
Giancarlo's looking for KNO3 and struck out at the pharmacy.

Maybe you tried this already, but if there are any independent pharmacies
in your area, they would be the better bet.  I've found that, around here
at least, the chain drug stores like CVS, Walgreens, etc. aren't likely to
keep stock chemicals around.

You could also just go to Walmart and get some Greenlight stump
remover.  Greenlight has verified that it's just KNO3.  It's not pharm.
grade, but it is relatively pure.  I've been using it for around 2 years
now.  Never had a problem with it.  I found it on the aisle with weed
killers.  It's in a white plastic bottle with a yellow cap.  I think I paid
about $4US for 16oz.
--
Chuck Huffine
Knoxville, Tennessee