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Re: Understanding KNO3
Hi, Bill,
My main question is that it is really impossible to get KNO3.
So, I was wondering if there is an alternative source for that. Thatīs why I
asked what is realy the role played by KNO3 in the PMDD formula: as you
said, K is already present in K2SO4, so I presume that the main role played
by KNO3 in the PMDD formula is to add NO3.
Assuming what I said is true, where can I get NO3 besides KNO3? I was
wondering if I use NaNO3 would fit the objectives of PMDD ... (but, in this
case, is it irrelevant to the tank chemistry adding Na?)
thnks.
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2003 18:00:00 -0500
From: Bill Wichers <billw at waveform_net>
Subject: Re: Understanding KNO3
>Hi, Iīm beggining to use PMDD.
>But here, in Brazil, itīs not allowed buying KNO3 for security reasons.
>So, I need to understand:
>1) Whatīs the purpose of KNO3 in the PMDD solution? To give K? To give NO3?
>Both?
It provides both. K is important, but can also be dosed with K2SO4. NO3 is
a macronutrient that lightly stocked (with fish) tanks can run low on and
need supplements.
>2) What are the sources for that(those) element(s)?
>Thank you
Not sure exactly what you're asking for here.
NO3 is a common component of just about any plant fertilizer. You're
probably having trouble getting the KNO3 since NO3 (nitrate) is also a
common ingredient in most explosives. Ammonium nitrate is a common mining
explosive, for example, but is also a common fertilizer component used in
agriculture. I suggest contacting some hydroponics or farm supply places
that are local to you and tell them you need some KNO3 to *use as a plant
fertilizer* and see what they say. You may find that there is an exception
for agricultural use that you might be able to take advantage of.
K (potassium) by itself reacts rather nastily with all kinds of things, and
you would NOT want to drop a chunk of raw K into your PMDD batch. Nitrogen
and oxygen are both gases normally, so you're going to have to find a
solution you can use since you won't be able to add all the elements
"manually".
-Bill
Gustavo Adolfo Lapido Loureiro
(21) 2507 - 5464
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