is Potassium required for reef???? Help??

[Myka]

Christy, I think sphelps said that the higher concentration is easier to read. By my understanding anyway.

I'm not going to pay the ZEO price for a potassium supplement though, I need to find something else. I haven't started looking yet though. I've also heard that it seems to take a lot of supplement to bump it up.

Originally Posted by mandarin man

Hi Myka, you probably have seen one of the thread showed the pics of the actual test which the test vial was placed under another pic of white paper which also placed under the color test chart. Are we missing something? The test kit never state any thing about the other white paper.

I haven't seen the thread you're talking about. My kit came with a small square of white paper that has a hole in it the same size as the bottom of the test container, then you slide it along. is that what you're talking about?

[christyf5]

Yes Myka you're right, sorry, it would appear that more coffee is needed this morning

I actually found that the lower concentrations were easier to read but anything above say 325 or so was extremely difficult. Eventually I just aimed for a cloudy enough solution to obscure the 400 level and figured I was good to go.

I actually find that the zeo PIF supplement lasts quite awhile for the price, it only takes a couple of drops a day to maintain NSW levels. Then again, there may be something else out there that gets the job done for cheaper.

[Myka]

Which one is the "PIF"? I see a regular and a strong version.

I seem to remember reading that potassium is taken up slowly, so once you get it to NSW levels it is easy to maintain, but getting it there takes a lot. If this is the case, maybe it's time to change the salt. *gasp*

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by Myka

Which one is the "PIF"? I see a regular and a strong version.

I seem to remember reading that potassium is taken up slowly, so once you get it to NSW levels it is easy to maintain, but getting it there takes a lot. If this is the case, maybe it's time to change the salt. *gasp*

PIF I'm guessing is the potassium iodide fluoride, there's also K-Balance with is just a potassium supplement. I use both and find they last a long time, yes they are more money than other types but check the dosage rate. Usually other supplements are 5ml per 25gal while zeovit is 1 drop per 25 gal so more often than not zeovit is the better value. I also like the higher concentrations for the fact that your putting less unknown substances in the tank and I simply trust zeovit over other brands so even if it does cost a little more I don't mind. Same goes for the RB salt, it costs more but you'll dose less and possibly even save a little money.

[albert_dao]

You don't want to use PIF to maintain K+ levels. You'll overdose with iodide before you hit 380 ppm. K Balance Strong is the way to go.

[mandarin man]

Myka, you are right, there is a small square paper with the small hole. I did not know what it was so I threw it away. Could not find it... I hope it does not affect the test too much.

Tailor Aquatics also makes K in very high concentration (5ml per 100gal once a week; however, they don't specify the quantity of dosing). I assume it is high concentration. 500ml bottle is less than $20.

I agree with you all, the KZ K is the way to go

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by albert_dao

You don't want to use PIF to maintain K+ levels. You'll overdose with iodide before you hit 380 ppm. K Balance Strong is the way to go.

You don't want to use PIF to raise the potassium level, but you can use it to maintain it. When used properly that is exactly what it's made for, maintaining both potassium and iodide levels. By "properly" I mean never exceeding dosing instructions and using a little common sense. For example if it states 1 drop per 25gal daily I would assume this is for a fully stocked high demand system, if you have a medium demand system you would dose half.

[albert_dao]

Originally Posted by sphelps

You don't want to use PIF to raise the potassium level, but you can use it to maintain it. When used properly that is exactly what it's made for, maintaining both potassium and iodide levels. By "properly" I mean never exceeding dosing instructions and using a little common sense. For example if it states 1 drop per 25gal daily I would assume this is for a fully stocked high demand system, if you have a medium demand system you would dose half.

Well... no. PIF is a color refining product that has little of no capability of maintaining any significant levels of K+. The biggest problem with trying to achieve any form of K+ dosing with PIF is that it WILL result in an overdose of Iodide. You're better off doing water changes with a salt that has elevated levels of K+.

That said, PIF is untouchable for producing vivid blue coloration.