Inert Gravel and Ferts

Discussion in 'Planted Tank Equipment' started by Vez, Aug 24, 2012.

  1. Vez
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    Vez Green fingers

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    Hey all

    When i work out the ferts for my tank using the APSA Calc, and if 2 ppl have the same size tanks, but one has lets say AS and the other one has inert.

    Both will be adding the same amount of water column ferts, but the dude with the AS tank will be having more ferts due to the Subs....

    So what i want to know is, can i add more or should i rather not?
     
  2. Maurice
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    Maurice Aquascaper

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    Hi Vez, if you talking about EI fert dosing, I wouldnt add more, as the suggest levels they recomend to dose, one is allready overdosing, so there isnt a shortage of ferts.
    With say Seachems flourish or so, I am sure you can add extra in a tank with inert substrate
     
  3. shihr
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    shihr Administrator Staff Member

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    The thing that u have to remember is that AS runs out of steam in 3-4 months and it becomes very similar to fluorite which has CEC properties

    CEC means that it is able to absorb nutrients (from the water column etc.) to be used in the long run.

    The dude with AS will have more root feeding capabilities but the water column dosing in both tanks remains the same.

    In both of my as and inert tanks, I use the same intensity of ferts(on the higher range) so no need to go higher.

    Hth
     
  4. Algae wizard
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    Algae wizard Valued Contributor

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  5. Vez
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    Vez Green fingers

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    Thanks morris and shihr! Wasn't sure about it, but thanks again! Think its time to get rid of the inert lol
     
  6. shihr
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    shihr Administrator Staff Member

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    yep.. im redoing my inert soon as well...
     

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