- Location
- New London, CT
Over the years I've become familiar with Potassium and its role in coral health in my aquarium systems. There are several products on the market now that are solely for raising Potassium levels.
Generally Potassium is not depleted as quickly as other elements such as Calcium, but it can get depleted over time, especially in tanks with Macro Algae, and soft corals.
Many systems are able to maintain levels around natural sea water (420ppm) simply with water changes. There are also small amounts in some trace element additives.
I personally prefer to maintain levels in the mid 500's to the 600's which I believe maintains a similar ratio of NPK as seen in the wild, since most reef tanks have higher levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorous than wild reefs.
For my husbandry regime Potassium is part of what I call my "Photosynthesis 2 Part" dosing strategy. I also dose Iron/Manganese, which along with Potassium is crucial for photosynthesis and chemical processes in the coral's tissue. I find some tanks that are lacking somewhat on color, but with all other parameters in check, are often in need of these elements to reach full potential. I will discuss Iron in more depth at a later time.
Some coral may not exhibit all their color potential without adequate Potassium. Dosing will noticeably increase Pinks, light Greens, bright Reds, and Magenta/Purple fluorescence, especially in SPS.
As with any new dosing or change in husbandry regime, take small steps. I often start off at half recommended dosage on the product bottle and slowly increase dosing over weeks or months. This will let you gauge the effects on your tank, and reduce accidental overdosing if you happen to be adding Potassium from other sources.
Anyone have experience with any of the Potassium test kits? Any recommendation for you fellow hobbyists on the easiest and/or most reliable?
Anyone dosing Potassium now? What was your experience?
Generally Potassium is not depleted as quickly as other elements such as Calcium, but it can get depleted over time, especially in tanks with Macro Algae, and soft corals.
Many systems are able to maintain levels around natural sea water (420ppm) simply with water changes. There are also small amounts in some trace element additives.
I personally prefer to maintain levels in the mid 500's to the 600's which I believe maintains a similar ratio of NPK as seen in the wild, since most reef tanks have higher levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorous than wild reefs.
For my husbandry regime Potassium is part of what I call my "Photosynthesis 2 Part" dosing strategy. I also dose Iron/Manganese, which along with Potassium is crucial for photosynthesis and chemical processes in the coral's tissue. I find some tanks that are lacking somewhat on color, but with all other parameters in check, are often in need of these elements to reach full potential. I will discuss Iron in more depth at a later time.
Some coral may not exhibit all their color potential without adequate Potassium. Dosing will noticeably increase Pinks, light Greens, bright Reds, and Magenta/Purple fluorescence, especially in SPS.
As with any new dosing or change in husbandry regime, take small steps. I often start off at half recommended dosage on the product bottle and slowly increase dosing over weeks or months. This will let you gauge the effects on your tank, and reduce accidental overdosing if you happen to be adding Potassium from other sources.
Anyone have experience with any of the Potassium test kits? Any recommendation for you fellow hobbyists on the easiest and/or most reliable?
Anyone dosing Potassium now? What was your experience?
(no pun intended) comes back and replies to what he started. lol
