What about those nutrients?

[blueheaven]

Hi guys,

was just wondering that if you culture the phyto and then use it in your tank, how can you be so sure that the nutrients are already taken up by the phyto?

[Achilles Tang]

You have to follow the formula instructions and only harvest at the end of the maturation cycle, visually the phytoplankton culture will be at its darkest.

Too early and all the fertilizer is not used up yet. Pouring the solution into your tank is a big big mistake.

[giantbicycle]

You have to follow the formula instructions and only harvest at the end of the maturation cycle, visually the phytoplankton culture will be at its darkest.

Too early and all the fertilizer is not used up yet. Pouring the solution into your tank is a big big mistake.

LOL...if not sure, its obvious by seeing the colour... smthing like little weet grass ,not like sugar cane colour..IF not you will be pouring P04 & N03 into your tank..

[Cookiemunster]

There is a specific formula to follow.

And if harvest is too early, nutrients will not be totally absorbed as AT mentioned.

Stick to the instructions and it shouldn't be a problem. 1 drop per 100ml of water. And harvest only on the 9th to 10th day onwards.

Even then, adding phyto will always mean adding nutrients to your tank. Plant matter whether dead or alive is still nutrient. So wean your tank slowly on it. And if done properly, you can dose up to 1L a day like I do without any serious consequences.

[RockyBoy]

I use abt 1ml of fertiliser to 1.2l and harvest every 10-12 days.