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Many thanks to Andrew (Mr. Ballroom) who directed me to the following web site
for a recipie for making my own very low cost aquarium plant fertilizer.
Fertilizer This
link talks about experiments performed in keeping algae down but plant life
growing. In case the page dissapears, here is the formula:
Note, if you choose to use this formula, do NOT use activated charcoal in any of
your filters, the charcoal will remove the trace elements and defeat the purpose.
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1 Tbsp (~9g) Chelated Trace Element Mix (7% Fe, 1.3% B, 2% Mn, 0.06% Mo, 0.4%
Zn, 0.1% Cu, EDTA, DTPA)
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2 Tsp (~14g) K2SO4
(potassium sulfate)
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1 Tsp (~6g) KNO3
(potassium nitrate)
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2.5 Tbsp (~33g) MgSO4.7H2O (fully hydrated magnesium
sulfate, aka epsom salts; omit if already present in trace element mix)
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300mL distilled H2O
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0.5mL 9M HCl (optional)
(Most of the ingredients can be purchased at hydroponics shops or garden supply
stores. Epsom salts are available inexpensively at pharmacies)
Dissolve the trace element mix in 150mL distilled water, then add the remaining
ingredients. Pour in additional water to make 300mL solution. The HCl helps
prevent the growth of fungus and may be omitted if the mix is kept in the
refrigerator. Add enough mix to the tank every day to keep the Fe level at
about 0.1ppm (the exact amount will have to be determined by experimentation,
but 3mL per 100L tank water is about right for a tank with rapidly growing
plants). Measure nitrate levels regularly, and adjust the amount of KNO3
in the mix to maintain 3-5ppm (this step is fairly important). Those concerned
about adding nitrates to their aquarium can dose the KNO3 separately,
omitting it initially and adding it later as required to obtain the desired
concentration.
The shelf life of the solution is unknown. Make small batches, or store only dry
powders (but mix them with water before adding them to the aquarium).
If you don't like making up your own batches, let me know and I'd be willing to
sell premade batches at a reasonable price.
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