Hi, I'm 100% not a chemist, so go easy.
There is a persistent cyano problem in my 220ish ltr sumped tank:
https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/stig-of-the-sump.48558/
It's not overwhelming but it's not nice. I want to address the root cause. Having read here that low nitrate can be an issue, i did a nitrate Test for the first time in forever. It indicated approx 10ppm.
The tank is well stocked, takes 5ml of EA complete plant flood and 4.5ml of TNC Carbon daily. (Carbon has only been being added for 2 weeks so far).
So, question:
- Would 10ppm be considered low? (I appreciate the debate about Test kit accuracy).
- If i wanted to increase nitrate levels would i add potassium nitrate or nitrogen (both available via TNC)? What's the difference?
- What would be a target level in the tank? 20ppm,50ppm, more?
Alternatively do i just increas my current fert dosing? (I think.this would be more expensive however).
I'm in the north west and tap water is very soft.
Thanks for the advice.
There is a persistent cyano problem in my 220ish ltr sumped tank:
https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/stig-of-the-sump.48558/
It's not overwhelming but it's not nice. I want to address the root cause. Having read here that low nitrate can be an issue, i did a nitrate Test for the first time in forever. It indicated approx 10ppm.
The tank is well stocked, takes 5ml of EA complete plant flood and 4.5ml of TNC Carbon daily. (Carbon has only been being added for 2 weeks so far).
So, question:
- Would 10ppm be considered low? (I appreciate the debate about Test kit accuracy).
- If i wanted to increase nitrate levels would i add potassium nitrate or nitrogen (both available via TNC)? What's the difference?
- What would be a target level in the tank? 20ppm,50ppm, more?
Alternatively do i just increas my current fert dosing? (I think.this would be more expensive however).
I'm in the north west and tap water is very soft.
Thanks for the advice.