congo

As luck would have it I had to buy lots of chems in bulk to 'save' money. Also got them to make a custom trace mix so spent >$50. =) So could prob mix you up a powder form of the PMDD and mail to you for say $5? + 45 c postage. Havent tried it on my tank yet so no guarantees. Hope it works!

Hi again, Thanks for the Otaki heads up. Have contacted them and they seem better than nearly everywhere in AKL! Trouble now is to find a suitable trace element mix. Recommended in US is something like Fe 6.53% Mn 1.87% Mg 1.40% Zn 0.37% Cu 0.09% Mo 0.05% B 1.18% Co 0.00% Otaki have advised that their trace mix contains: Our A45 TE has the following ratios: Al 0.00% B 0.66% Co 0.00% Cu 0.28% Fe 10.45% Mn 3.52% Mo 0.08% Zn 0.20% Does this sound suitable for PMDD. I see it has lots of iron in which sounds good, but am generally unfamiliar with for example how much zinc is needed and whether having half of someone else's mix is bad etc. Getting there tho and thanks for the help thus far.

I would appreciate info from those of you who have tried the PMDD (poor man's dupla drops) recipe from places such as http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/Fertilizer/pmdd-tim.html There is obvious success in the US, but am interested in where people got their stuff from in NZ. Specifically? Where from for k2so4 mgs04 kn03, chelated trace mix? (special brands of trace mix? content? recommendations?) Work well? Kill everything? Thanks guys Congo

Yes they do say assumption is the mother of all f ups. Anyways misinformation doesnt help either. Im from Auckland but dont mind driving around to find my precious. Came across some nice sand at Stone and Water World, more of a golden colour, but again would only order in 1T. Am keen for something dark but see a 7kg bag of Seachem Onyx gravel costs >$50!!! Crazy. Was hoping there was a better way.

From Auckland - dont mind driving anywhere to get some good sand / gravel. Have used brightwater 3-6mm in the past as per this dude http://www.fnzas.org.nz/fishroom/viewtopic.php?t=5232 but am looking for perhaps 2-3mm sand for root reproduction for crypts, ambulia type thingees too ... Hope you can help! thanks

Hey there Im also having trouble looking for some planted tank substrate. (reply posted in previous forum too but need all the help I can get) Decided to bite the bullet and purchase some flash JBL aquabasis for under-substrate, but now have another problem. Where to find fine sand / gravel for the top? American forums etc seem to recommend 2-3mm c.f. plantedtank.net Most gravels for sale in shops and landscapers are 3-6mm. I've found the sand at Placemaker types to be very fine, and the sandblasting sand to be unsuitable. Im going crazy trying to find 2-3mm sand / gravel. Grr pls help. Tried one pool place but didnt look like silica type sand. Might have to try another in the weekend. Let me know what has and hasnt worked and whether I'll just have to buy some 3-6mm gravel for my plants. (crypts etc w fossicking cories) thanks!

Hey there Im also having trouble looking for some planted tank substrate. Decided to bite the bullet and purchase some flash JBL aquabasis, but now have another problem. Where to find fine sand / gravel for the top? American forums etc seem to recommend 2-3mm c.f. plantedtank.net Most gravels for sale in shops and landscapers are 3-6mm. I've found the sand at Placemaker types to be very fine, and the sandblasting sand to be unsuitable. Im going crazy trying to find 2-3mm sand / gravel. Grr pls help. Tried one pool place but didnt look like silica type sand. Might have to try another in the weekend. Let me know what has and hasnt worked and whether I'll just have to buy some 3-6mm gravel for my plants. (crypts etc) thanks!