Adding NO3 to other solution.

[kilnakorr]

Since dosing phytoplankton, my nitrates has lowered significantly.
Can I add KNO3 to any or all of these solutions I'm currently dosing without issue?
Salifert KH buffer.
TM All for reef.
Live phytoplankton.

I guess the easiest way would be just adding the extra NO3 while culturing the phyto, but that would make the dosing a bit random, and I'd rather just add it to another solution to easily calculate the daily dosing.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yes, you can add it to one of the first two, though I would be concerned about potassium possibly rising too much. Sodium nitrate or ammonium bicarbonate eliminate that concern.

 

[kilnakorr]

Yes, you can add it to one of the first two, though I would be concerned about potassium possibly rising too much. Sodium nitrate or ammonium bicarbonate eliminate that concern.

Thanks.
I'm 99% sure what I have on stock is KNO3.
I do have potassium test, so will watch out for this.
What would be the concern of high potassium, and what would the limit be?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks.
I'm 99% sure what I have on stock is KNO3.
I do have potassium test, so will watch out for this.
What would be the concern of high potassium, and what would the limit be?

I am not sure what level that folks start seeing problems. There's not ever a reason to use it, IMO, since other options are readily available and inexpensive.

I believe Lasse reported a bad experience with elevated potassium.

@Lasse

 

[Lasse]

I am not sure what level that folks start seeing problems. There's not ever a reason to use it, IMO, since other options are readily available and inexpensive.

I believe Lasse reported a bad experience with elevated potassium.

@Lasse

In two cases - I suspect that potassium have create problems and death of fish in two of my aquariums. I cannot say with 100% certainty that elevated potassium levels alone are the cause of my problems. On one occasion - 9-10 years ago the value was about 600 and about three years ago it was about 540 mg/L when I had the problems. - As a rule for my self - I prefer potassium concentrations around 400 mg/L. I have stop to use KNO3 and only use NaNO3.

@kilnakorr - you live in Denmark and if you are in Sweden - Santa Maria has something they call Salpeter. Salpeter is normally KNO3 in Sweden (NaNO3 is named Chile salpeter) but Santa Maria do not follow these rules - sometimes it is KNO3 - sometimes NaNO3. However they always print what it contain on the package - normally its NaNO3 - but check the package. You find it at "kryddhyllan" (krydderihylden) in most shops selling food.

Sincerely Lasse