NPK, etc

[hforney]

I have a 55g planted tank with pressurized CO2. My tank is 3 months old. Now that I have my plants and CO2 what should I be testing the water for? I am dosing micronutrients, phosphate, and potassium. Should I also add nitrogen? I think at this point I should start testing the water so I will have a better idea of what I should or should not add.

What are the ppm ranges for all items I should monitor.

I have made it this far with all the help from members here with what I consider good success.

Thanks to all

 

[travis simonson]

I recommend maintaining nitrate levels of 10-15 ppm, phosphate levels around 1 ppm, and dosing a total of 10-20 ppm potassium per week. Nitrogen is definitely your most important nutrient. If levels drop to zero/near-zero you can have a nasty algae outbreak. The same can also happen with excessive nitrate levels.