DIY nitrate dosing

[tedfisher496]

Im looking to start dosing a DIY solution for my 25 gallon sps dominant reef. I bought 2LBS of sodium nitrate, I would like to make 1 gallon of solution. My question is how much sodium nitrate powder should i add to the 1 gallon of RODI?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Im looking to start dosing a DIY solution for my 25 gallon sps dominant reef. I bought 2LBS of sodium nitrate, I would like to make 1 gallon of solution. My question is how much sodium nitrate powder should i add to the 1 gallon of RODI?

I’d use this calculator and the entry for nitrate from potassium nitrate (it is close enough)

http://www.theplantedtank.co.uk/calculator.htm

 

[tedfisher496]

I’d use this calculator and the entry for nitrate from potassium nitrate (it is close enough)

http://www.theplantedtank.co.uk/calculator.htm

thanks, Ill try 300g to 1 gallon of rodi. should give me .51ppm increase.

 

[helwrj28]

I'm interested in dosing nitrates as well, would it be recommended to utilize potassium nitrate, or sodium nitrate?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'm interested in dosing nitrates as well, would it be recommended to utilize potassium nitrate, or sodium nitrate?

Sodium or calcium nitrate. Potassium will generally rise excessively and since most folks do not regularly measure it, it can easily get out of control.

Calcium nitrate is a balanced alk and calcium addition method.

Sodium is already far and away the most prevalent cation in seawater, and small changes to it are insignificant.

 

[helwrj28]

Sodium or calcium nitrate. Potassium will generally rise excessively and since most folks do not regularly measure it, it can easily get out of control.

Calcium nitrate is a balanced alk and calcium addition method.

Sodium is already far and away the most prevalent cation in seawater, and small changes to it are insignificant.

I appreciate the information! Since my tank consists of only soft coral I imagine long-term use of calcium would probably be detrimental. Looks like I'll opt for sodium, thanks!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I appreciate the information! Since my tank consists of only soft coral I imagine long-term use of calcium would probably be detrimental. Looks like I'll opt for sodium, thanks!

Your welcome. Use the James planted tank calculator and the entry for nitrate from potassium nitrate. It is close enough to sodium nitrate.

 

[helwrj28]

Your welcome. Use the James planted tank calculator and the entry for nitrate from potassium nitrate. It is close enough to sodium nitrate.

Appreciate the assistance again! Do you have a specific product that you would recommend?

I have previously purchased from loudwolf to do phosphates dosing and silicates but I can't sodium nitrate.. what other manufacturer(s) do you recommend?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Appreciate the assistance again! Do you have a specific product that you would recommend?

I have previously purchased from loudwolf to do phosphates dosing and silicates but I can't sodium nitrate.. what other manufacturer(s) do you recommend?

I’d dose food grade sodium or calcium nitrate. I’d check at Amazon.

 

[xtianGEO]

Appreciate the assistance again! Do you have a specific product that you would recommend?

I have previously purchased from loudwolf to do phosphates dosing and silicates but I can't sodium nitrate.. what other manufacturer(s) do you recommend?

I’d dose food grade sodium or calcium nitrate. I’d check at Amazon.

For the loudwolf calcium nitrate, do you suggest we also use the potassium nitrate calculator? @Randy

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You can, yes. The calcium nitrate is 20% more potent than the potassium nitrate.