How to 'dry' dose

[bobo]

So, I thought I would save money by 'dry dosing', but wanted to check I was doing the right thing.

I read this thread here on low tech tanks: http://www.sudeepmandal.com/hobbies/planted-aquarium/low-tech-planted-tank-guide/

It states I need to dose:

• 1/4 Teaspoon of Seachem Equilibrium (for traces and Calcium + Magnesium). (1.42 ppm Ca, 0.42 ppm Mg, 3.43 ppm K and 0.02 ppm Fe)
• 1/8 Teaspoon of KNO3 (Potassium Nitrate) (5.27 ppm NO3 and 3.32 ppm K)
• 1/32 Teaspoon of KH2PO4 (Potassium Mono Phosphate) (1.61 ppm PO4 and 0.66 ppm K)

per 20g, once a week/fortnight.

 

 

So typing into trademe I get these sources of Potassium Nitrate and Potassium Mono Phosphate:

 

http://www.trademe.co.nz/home-living/outdoor-garden-conservatory/greenhouses/auction-1040925403.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/home-living/outdoor-garden-conservatory/greenhouses/auction-1043707818.htm

 

So, it's working with these raw chemicals that I am nervey about.

 

a)  Do I just get a teaspoon and sprinkle the raw chemical straight into the tank?  No prep?

b)  Do I need to know anything about storing such chemicals?

c)  Anything else I need to know about dry ferts?

 

Thank you!

\\

 

 

[Ira]

Ideally you'd mix them into water first, stir it up until everything is dissolved and then pour that into the tank.  

 

You're stressing over nothing, they're not particularly dangerous chemicals.  Keep them in a sealed container, don't eat them, don't breath them.  Avoid exposure to mucous membranes, etc.

[bobo]

Ideally you'd mix them into water first, stir it up until everything is dissolved and then pour that into the tank.  

 

You're stressing over nothing, they're not particularly dangerous chemicals.  Keep them in a sealed container, don't eat them, don't breath them.  Avoid exposure to mucous membranes, etc.

Cheers Ira.

Appreciated

Edited March 4, 2016 by bobo