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Buce Specific Nutrient Dosing
- Thread starter hn5624
- Start date
Based on our experience and feedback from other users, we encountered inconsistent results when using CSM+B. The inconsistencies stemmed from several factors:
- Mixing Method: Some sellers pre-mixed CSM and Boron before shipping, which may have contributed to uneven distribution.
- Grain Size Variation: The different particle sizes in the powder led to inconsistent compositions. For example, imagine mixing fine white powdered sugar with coarse brown sugar—one user might scoop 10 pieces of brown sugar while another scoops only 5, leading to an imbalanced mix. As a result, microelement levels varied, especially when using smaller quantities of CSM+B. This issue was somewhat mitigated when larger amounts were used to prepare solutions.
- Formula Modifications: Many users had to adjust the CSM+B formula to enhance its performance. For instance, I personally added MnSO₄ and DTPA Fe to improve effectiveness. Edward from PPS Pro also modified it, as documented here.
- Overuse Leading to Toxicity: Some users had to add excessive amounts of CSM+B to achieve desired results, which sometimes led to toxic buildup of certain micronutrients. This was likely a consequence of inconsistencies in the mix—either due to missing elements or an overabundance caused by particle size variation in the CSM+B powder.
This was true at least during those years, but I haven't used CSM+B in a decade, so I’m unsure if improvements have been made since then. In general, a finer powder formulation tends to provide a more consistent mix, whereas leaving some elements in larger grains increases the risk of uneven distribution.
Additionally, I believe there are better mixes available today for the same or a similar price, some of which may include both EDTA and DTPA, offering improved stability and effectiveness.
References:
- Fertilizer Consistency, Bulk Blending of Fertilizer Material: Effect of Size, Shape, and Density on Segregation
- CSM+B Toxicity Experiment
- Intelligent Substitutions: CSM+B, Microplex, Fe DTPA
- The unbalanced micronutrient fertilizer: CSM+B
- Question re. CSM+B precipitate
- Question on the composition of Plantex CSM + B
Last edited:
hn5624
New Member
Shrimpy gh is basically just pure cal/magnesium 4:1 ratio for caridina shrimp.
Is there a recommended micro fert that's already made in powder form? Can I use something like general hydroponic micro mix.
is it this Product?
I wouldn't recommend that one.
I personally prefer to mix my own, but for those in the USA looking for a premixed micronutrient solution, I would recommend the plant prod chelated micronutrient mix. The one sold by GLA is the same product. I'm fairly certain that this is much superior to CSM+B.
hn5624
New Member
Got it.
Everytime I would increase my lighting on these tanks I get a mix of hair algae and dust algae on the glass and a week later my plants.
So 0 algae with 8 watt led bulb.
Wildfire algae with 33 watt led light bar
Very consistent that it happens, like gravity.
I wonder if I reset my nutrient levels with some water changes and do leaner dose if I can prevent this from happening.
Buce do seem to grow larger, thicker leaves under high light so I do wanna move in that direction eventually.
Hi all,
cheers Darrel
That is useful, it just means that you have <"all the nutrients"> necessary for plant growth, but plant growth is limited by PAR.
cheers Darrel
hn5624
New Member
Yup, the main issue I just have is SPEED and Size!
These buces really do grow a lot bigger leaves with higher lighting. Just need to make sure I keep the tank algae free as possible until it matures a bit more.
