- Location
- New London, CT
Potassium is important. Are you dosing? Should you?
- Thread starter justincredabel
- Start date
- Location
- Westchester NY
but in the article you state >>> "Overdosing potassium can be lethal to the coral".
So, I'm little bit confused...? Is overdosing beneficial or is it detrimental? I was hoping to hear about your experience with dosing higher levels of POT. Do you have pictures of your reef before and after dosing high levels? Also, is there known direct correlation between Nitrogen, phosphorous and Potassium? if yes how so?
I would definitely try raising POT levels beyond 420 over time to see if there is benefit in my reef. However I have a final question. How does Potassium play out in a carbon dosed system? since carbon dosing reduces nitrates and po4 would raising POT levels be detrimental or beneficial?
Thanks in advance!
- Location
- Westchester NY
and a final question,lol.
Could you provide sources where to get pure potassium chloride and what brnds you recommend?
Could you provide sources where to get pure potassium chloride and what brnds you recommend?
- Location
- westchester
i feel like the article said somewhat skeptical about keeping it at around 600 to 800, at what point do you oversaturate the system is it 900 -1000 0r in some instances 500 not very clear about it and to be honest it seems that there are no true and tried methods of dosing to achieve the proper measurements and having to send your water to a lab seems a bit laborious hopefully there will be some kind of test kit made in the near future to help. even having a company that will sell it as a supplement is hard to find i think i will stick to my regular water changes until someone makes it a little easier to handle i would hate to loose my spss to a potassium spike good knows we all have had all kind of diff spikes to upset our tanks at one point or another why add one more.
- Location
- New London, CT
In regards overdose, it a relative term in this instance. If you are going by the guidelines of 400 ppm anything over that is an overdose technically. But even if you are shooting for 400ppm and you are at 200ppm, dosing all at once can be stressful even though you bringing the level to normal. Acute stress and morbidity is usually the result seen from too quick of a rise in concentration. Long term dosing, that slowly go above most beneficial concentration of potassium for the system is usually a partial bleaching. For me I would watch my pink birds best. It was the first to respond yo positive effects and long term over concentration. Pinks begin coloring up to ideal color within days, to a peak pink brightness. If I go a little overboard the pink begins to lighten, and the background brown fades bit. Coral will be bleachy sometimes with low potassium, but you see a difference in the paleness. The pink will have turned a corner, and is still brighter than low potassium, but pigment formation becomes less efficient, thus the lightening of pink, then also zooxanthellae population become reduced a bit. Backing off of dosing, the coral will recover within days.
The highest beneficial concentration I've seen is 1200ppm in my systems, but most systems for me seem to do best around the mid 600s. Again there seems to be many variables at play in terms of various ion and nutrient concentrations that affect the potassiums impact on the organisms in the system.
The highest beneficial concentration I've seen is 1200ppm in my systems, but most systems for me seem to do best around the mid 600s. Again there seems to be many variables at play in terms of various ion and nutrient concentrations that affect the potassiums impact on the organisms in the system.
- Location
- New London, CT
I wish I had more concrete absolute definitive rules regarding potassium I could share, but overtime, in various reef system, with various water sources (natural, vs brand a ASW, vs brand ASW), supplement regimes and such.
I recommend any change in addtive regime should be done one at a time, especially if it is a hard to test, and variably interactive element or compound such we see quite readily with iron and potassium.
We have some pretty good safe rules for alkalinity and calcium, which are easy to test, and concentration effects, and reliable effects noted. We know a lot about the interplay between alk and calcium concentrations, and their direct effects on each others concentration, as well as Magnesium's effect on changing the all/ca solubility sea saw, allowing more calcium to remain in solution at a given alk unity. There are many of these interactions of all the various ions in saltwater, all affecting each other to varying degrees.
I really do think testing is great, and I can't disparage the "don't add what you can't test for" rule. But... We won't be seeing a quick and accurate iron test any time soon, it is known that iron reacts very quickly in seawater, within half an hour 99% of iron added may no longer be in solution, having reacted with other ions in the system and uptake from animals. Natural levels are usually in the parts per billion. Minutes after a dose (ideally I drop dose over the course of the day) concentrations could be 100s of times higher than natural sea water. If we did that with other ions it would be catastrophe. I know if I don't dose iron my coral don't look as good, and critically from a farming perspective, growth is not as efficient.
I recommend any change in addtive regime should be done one at a time, especially if it is a hard to test, and variably interactive element or compound such we see quite readily with iron and potassium.
We have some pretty good safe rules for alkalinity and calcium, which are easy to test, and concentration effects, and reliable effects noted. We know a lot about the interplay between alk and calcium concentrations, and their direct effects on each others concentration, as well as Magnesium's effect on changing the all/ca solubility sea saw, allowing more calcium to remain in solution at a given alk unity. There are many of these interactions of all the various ions in saltwater, all affecting each other to varying degrees.
I really do think testing is great, and I can't disparage the "don't add what you can't test for" rule. But... We won't be seeing a quick and accurate iron test any time soon, it is known that iron reacts very quickly in seawater, within half an hour 99% of iron added may no longer be in solution, having reacted with other ions in the system and uptake from animals. Natural levels are usually in the parts per billion. Minutes after a dose (ideally I drop dose over the course of the day) concentrations could be 100s of times higher than natural sea water. If we did that with other ions it would be catastrophe. I know if I don't dose iron my coral don't look as good, and critically from a farming perspective, growth is not as efficient.
- Location
- New London, CT
I wish I had more concrete absolute definitive rules regarding potassium I could share, but overtime, in various reef system, with various water sources (natural, vs brand a ASW, vs brand ASW), supplement regimes and such.
I recommend any change in addtive regime should be done one at a time, especially if it is a hard to test, and variably interactive element or compound such we see quite readily with iron and potassium.
We have some pretty good safe rules for alkalinity and calcium, which are easy to test, and concentration effects, and reliable effects noted. We know a lot about the interplay between alk and calcium concentrations, and their direct effects on each others concentration, as well as Magnesium's effect on changing the all/ca solubility sea saw, allowing more calcium to remain in solution at a given alk unity. There are many of these interactions of all the various ions in saltwater, all affecting each other to varying degrees.
I really do think testing is great, and I can't disparage the "don't add what you can't test for" rule. But... We won't be seeing a quick and accurate iron test any time soon, it is known that iron reacts very quickly in seawater, within half an hour 99% of iron added may no longer be in solution, having reacted with other ions in the system and uptake from animals. Natural levels are usually in the parts per billion. Minutes after a dose (ideally I drop dose over the course of the day) concentrations could be 100s of times higher than natural sea water. If we did that with other ions it would be catastrophe. I know if I don't dose iron my coral don't look as good, and critically from a farming perspective, growth is not as efficient.
I recommend any change in addtive regime should be done one at a time, especially if it is a hard to test, and variably interactive element or compound such we see quite readily with iron and potassium.
We have some pretty good safe rules for alkalinity and calcium, which are easy to test, and concentration effects, and reliable effects noted. We know a lot about the interplay between alk and calcium concentrations, and their direct effects on each others concentration, as well as Magnesium's effect on changing the all/ca solubility sea saw, allowing more calcium to remain in solution at a given alk unity. There are many of these interactions of all the various ions in saltwater, all affecting each other to varying degrees.
I really do think testing is great, and I can't disparage the "don't add what you can't test for" rule. But... We won't be seeing a quick and accurate iron test any time soon, it is known that iron reacts very quickly in seawater, within half an hour 99% of iron added may no longer be in solution, having reacted with other ions in the system and uptake from animals. Natural levels are usually in the parts per billion. Minutes after a dose (ideally I drop dose over the course of the day) concentrations could be 100s of times higher than natural sea water. If we did that with other ions it would be catastrophe. I know if I don't dose iron my coral don't look as good, and critically from a farming perspective, growth is not as efficient.
- Location
- New London, CT
Salpet, it's refreshing to see so many careful reefers here. It sure would be great to have definite recommend concentration of potassium, but this one of the elements that interact in complex ways with other ions. I do feel certain eventually we will have more precise measurements for potassium and many other important elements, as well as there interactions with which ions and at what concentration.
If your tank is amazing and you are happy with everything, then no need to fix something that isn't broken. I can tell you for sure there are some systems that would greatly benefit higher levels of potassium. Anytime I do a new additive I start very slow, and doses smaller than recommend starting dose, safety first. You will have time notice any changes or impacts.
So I can honestly say I can't recommend a set dose per gallon of ppm for each system due to the variability in everyone's tanks. In some degree we see this peroxide dosing. We have a narrower range of predictably safe concentrations within a certain range. But peroxide is highly reactive to various elements and organic molecules. The rule for dosing includes a range, but you should always observe and adjust. Take it slow, be safe.
If your tank is amazing and you are happy with everything, then no need to fix something that isn't broken. I can tell you for sure there are some systems that would greatly benefit higher levels of potassium. Anytime I do a new additive I start very slow, and doses smaller than recommend starting dose, safety first. You will have time notice any changes or impacts.
So I can honestly say I can't recommend a set dose per gallon of ppm for each system due to the variability in everyone's tanks. In some degree we see this peroxide dosing. We have a narrower range of predictably safe concentrations within a certain range. But peroxide is highly reactive to various elements and organic molecules. The rule for dosing includes a range, but you should always observe and adjust. Take it slow, be safe.
- Location
- Westchester NY
JUstinCredible
I would like to try and give this a go. I am currently using a liquid POT by brightwell aquatics. is there a dry POT that I can mix at concentration and use a dosing pump to elevate slowly over time? can you please list the brand you use that you mention in your article? and again, I carbon dose and was wondering if your tank that you are mentioning is one of low nutrient utilizing carbon dosing?
I would be happy to report my findings over time here in.
I would like to try and give this a go. I am currently using a liquid POT by brightwell aquatics. is there a dry POT that I can mix at concentration and use a dosing pump to elevate slowly over time? can you please list the brand you use that you mention in your article? and again, I carbon dose and was wondering if your tank that you are mentioning is one of low nutrient utilizing carbon dosing?
I would be happy to report my findings over time here in.
- Location
- Westchester, N.Y
Just a heads up . Salifert Potassium test kit is to be released to USA today. So retailers in a few days should have them. Finally :letitallo
- Location
- westchester
buddy i knew it was just a matter of time before you came up with some meat on the plate. i guess there goes another 20 bucks for another test kit. but seriously we all strive to maximize our tanks potential and try and give them the best chance of survival after all if there were no refeers willing to try new things we would still be using undergravel filters, in your experience which potassium additive do you like best. and how much do dose and what size tank do you have.
- Location
- Westchester NY
Sal I will chime in a bit here. Salifert are yesteryear technology IMHO. Red sea has improved the test kit industry by providing titration kits included in thier kits as well as the fact that you can purchase refill kits in the future that will save you some cash. However, all test kits have a error margin built in. 5-10% you decide
as for Potassium additive I use brightwell aquatics but looking to Justincredible to advise of a powder source for bulk makeup for Pot increase.
- Location
- westchester
good morning mr. Cruze i looked at the brightwell ,how long have you been using it and what amounts do you dose,(daily-weekly?)and also how big is your tank and you said that the chaeto is doing better do you see any improvements in your sps has the color improved and do you see any more algae growth, thanks for your input
- Location
- Westchester NY
I have been using brightwell for about a year... I dose small amounts just to keep the 420 levels and os dosed daily using a dosing pump. My tank is 105 gal MD and 150 gal total water volume. No I have not seen improvements in the color of SPS. yes there is an increase in macro algae growth and turf.
- Location
- New London, CT
I source potassium chloride in bulk, dissolve in solution and filter it (most raw sources have some phosphate). I would advise using a product prepared for aquarium use. I use so much, that the most econimical way for me to dose is to source myself. It would take a couple years to use up for a most aquarists.
- Location
- New London, CT
Coralcruz, regarding carbon dosing, I myself dose a couple forms of carbon, depending on system, on top of Potassium dosing.
For the record my dosing/additive regime is:
Calcium/Alk two part daily
Potassium chloride daily
Iron/Manganese daily
Hydrogen Peroxide daily
Acropower every other day
Magnesium weekly
For the record my dosing/additive regime is:
Calcium/Alk two part daily
Potassium chloride daily
Iron/Manganese daily
Hydrogen Peroxide daily
Acropower every other day
Magnesium weekly
- Location
- New London, CT
I'd like to reiterate what several other hobbyists said here; don't blindly start dosing or change your regime in extreme ways.
If you are newer to the hobby, first get a handle on the calcium, alkalinity, magnesium triad. Also get a handle on nitrate and phosphates first. If you aren't quite sure what's going on with they stuff, wait until you jump into potassium or iron. First off, unless those other parameter are in line you won't see a benefit to your coral, secondly potassium and iron may spur unwanted algae growth if nitrates and phosphates are too high.
Baby steps
If you are newer to the hobby, first get a handle on the calcium, alkalinity, magnesium triad. Also get a handle on nitrate and phosphates first. If you aren't quite sure what's going on with they stuff, wait until you jump into potassium or iron. First off, unless those other parameter are in line you won't see a benefit to your coral, secondly potassium and iron may spur unwanted algae growth if nitrates and phosphates are too high.
Baby steps
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- Location
- Westchester NY
Thank you once again Justincredabel for all of this info.
I have been keeping saltwater reef for the past 17 years. I am by no means a beginner but know exactly what you mean about baby steps and I also appreciate the reminder.
so I have been carbon dosing for about 5-6 years of the 17 and dosing mag, cal, alk triad for almost the full 17 years. about a year ago I started POT and IRON however I do not dose more than natural sea levels. I stopped Iron dosing about three months ago because of some turf algae issues that has since been eradicated and was going to start iron dosing back up.
Honestly I was going to give up on both POT and IRON as I have not seen much benefit to corals, at least seeing any color improvements (again its only been a year though so I cant definitively say).
My system is predominantly SPS and all of my params are on par and are as follows:
Nitrate 2
Po4 .001
alk 10
cal 430
mag 1300
POT 420
So I would like to try raising it to 500 and see what happens. I would appreciate it f you could PM me with a source for raw POT.
here is what I have found... are any of these suitable?
https://jet.com/product/detail/69b1...gclid=CNzv1O_VxMwCFUxZhgodab4LRg&gclsrc=aw.ds
or how about this one:
http://www.bulksupplements.com/potassium-chloride.html?gclid=CKmGno7WxMwCFcNkhgodXqQDeg
this one's a little nuts but came up on the google search:
http://hardwaredistributors.com/dc-potassium-chloride.html?gclid=CKS5qeLWxMwCFZNbhgodkUwKFQ
I have been keeping saltwater reef for the past 17 years. I am by no means a beginner but know exactly what you mean about baby steps and I also appreciate the reminder.
so I have been carbon dosing for about 5-6 years of the 17 and dosing mag, cal, alk triad for almost the full 17 years. about a year ago I started POT and IRON however I do not dose more than natural sea levels. I stopped Iron dosing about three months ago because of some turf algae issues that has since been eradicated and was going to start iron dosing back up.
Honestly I was going to give up on both POT and IRON as I have not seen much benefit to corals, at least seeing any color improvements (again its only been a year though so I cant definitively say).
My system is predominantly SPS and all of my params are on par and are as follows:
Nitrate 2
Po4 .001
alk 10
cal 430
mag 1300
POT 420
So I would like to try raising it to 500 and see what happens. I would appreciate it f you could PM me with a source for raw POT.
here is what I have found... are any of these suitable?
https://jet.com/product/detail/69b1...gclid=CNzv1O_VxMwCFUxZhgodab4LRg&gclsrc=aw.ds
or how about this one:
http://www.bulksupplements.com/potassium-chloride.html?gclid=CKmGno7WxMwCFcNkhgodXqQDeg
this one's a little nuts but came up on the google search:
http://hardwaredistributors.com/dc-potassium-chloride.html?gclid=CKS5qeLWxMwCFZNbhgodkUwKFQ
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- Location
- Westchester, N.Y
I came across this ......
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=119103
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=119103
- Location
- westchester
i guess the best way to check this out is to buy a test kit and measure the water before making any changes and see what it reads .as every one said baby steps
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