MicrobeLift Bloom and Grow range

TomK... the only way, in my opinion, that you are going to keep control is the same way every other EI method employs. VISUAL REFERENCE and KNOWING your plants. When you see signs of Nitrogen deficiency, increase your dosage. HOWEVER, if you are running low tech, you will find that the recommended dosage will be more than enough for your tank for the week. Remember, EI is about giving your plants excess nutrients, thus they don't have any deficiencies... but finding that balance between too much nutrients in (which = algae)I know you like to have your gadget next to you to tell you... beep beep... more nitrogen, more nitrogen... but sadly, I think you going to have to study your plants on this one.

 

hehe, OK Zoom. You can guide me as well in the new thread.

 

@TomK,you'll have to test for Nitrate.
First,what is the recommended nitrate level in a planted tank:somewhere between 10 - 20ppm or mg/l.You will have to decide where you want to be.
Second,how do I test?Do a 50% water change,test the nitrate,remember to write the amount down,run the tank for 7 days/1 week without adding any nitrate/nitrogen.On the 7th day do a nitrate test.Compare the two results.Your plants should have consumed some nitrate as fertiliser.Bare in mind your filter has also been adding some nitrates.If the two test results are close or identical,then you don't need to add any nitrate/nitrogen.That also indicates that your plants are not keeping up with the nitrates supplied by the filter.
If the plants have used up a significant amount of nitrates the test will show this as well.
Do the calculation to add enough nitrogen to raise the nitrates to the desired level.Do a 50% water change and add the nitrogen,you can also spread the dosage over the week,"feeding" the plants a little but often and not all at once.

Hope this helps.

 

Hi Tom,

If you want to have accurate readings you need to invest in a nitrate probe as well as a luxmeter to measure the intensity of your light.

 

@Rudi. Thanks for the advice. I am however under the impression that the drop test kits testing for nitrate is not the same nitrate we are talking about here. See @Dirk Bellstedt 's post above, when I asked the question. Maybe I am interpreting it wrong. Prof, can you clarify. I know you are very busy, so just briefly. See #14

 

What Dirk is suggesting is that potasium nitrate (Kno3) is the active source of the nitrogen.That would be nitrate (No3) with a little potassium (K) added.
It is the same nitrate,I don't know how else to put it.

 

Henk, how does the probe's measurement differ from this?

Rudi, I am going to postpone the dosing till tomorrow, to do the 50% WC. I do not think it is necessary, as my total ammonia Nitrogen is at zero, but will still do it.

 

NH3 is ammonium nitrate you want to measure NO3. All of the nitrate drop kits in the shops measure NO3 where as the Ammonia test kits measure NH3.

 

@TomK,water changes are supper important if you want to grow plants successfully.Not only does it refreshes the tank but it dilutes dissolved biological compounds released by plants and fish.If these compounds are left to accumulate it could cause small ammonia spikes.Although undetectable by test kits,it could be enough to cause algae.

 

Just my 2c to everyone....go and get yourself Microbe-Lift, even just to try it. I've seen a massive positive difference in my tanks by using these products. Plants are growing at a much faster pace than other products I've used and they're looking much healthier too.

Thumbs up to Peckoltia for getting these products here.

Ciao
Dale

 

I'm glad its working so well for you Dale.

 

Hi Henk thanks for sharring. Who sells these products and what are the price ranges if you know? thanks

 

Good morning @Hotdog,

Speak to Nathan or Edwin at Elite, Nico at Panorama or David at Perky Pets Super Store. They all should have stock.

 

Hi Henk

Were can i find your range in the Northen suburbs?

Regards
Marius

 

Panorama should have stock. Give Nico a ring and see if does. If he is out he will order in for you.