A bit confused about fertilizer and ration

[tjatx]

I was under the impression that urea converts to ammonia and that's a no no in an aquarium? Are there any other benefits than it adds nitrogen?

On another note, when I tried to add K2SO4 in the IFC, solubility level went up to 134% and I am guessing that's not a good thing to do? I don't want to get KCl because it adds chloride to the tank which could be fatal if not dosed correctly? Are there any other salts I can use for potassium?

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

I was under the impression that urea converts to ammonia

It does, but the conversion is dependent on plants and microbes with the urease enzyme <"Started as High Tech - Transitioning to Low Tech">

and that's a no no in an aquarium?

I used to <"equate urea (CO(NH2)2) with TAN ammonia (NH3)">, but I'm now convinced that there is little danger with low level urea additions <"Two faced tank">.

Are there any other benefits than it adds nitrogen?

Possibly, in that plants preferentially use ammonia as their nitrogen source, and urea provides a constant trickle of TAN. The main advantage of urea is its 46% nitrogen content <"Fertilizer urea">, more even than ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), which I'm definitely not suggesting using <"My unfortunate vacation experience and "who dun it"">.

cheers Darrel