Fertilizer for tank orchids? - Page 2 - Orchid Board

m_ms09 · #11 02-28-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

MSU is Michigan State University. Here's a link to Ray's site and the free info: First Rays' Free Info Any fertilizer can be used. Use the fertilizer calculator Fertilizer PPM Calculator and plug in the values from your fertilizer for a mix 125ppm nitrogen. It will be extremely diluted so you can use this daily with no harm. That's what I do.

I was just at an orchid show today, and along with six new orchids (YAY!) I also bought some MSU.

What's so special about it?? I'm going to mix some up right now!!

Paul · #12 02-28-2009, 08:04 PM

Along this thread then .... Any means of avoiding salt build up in a terr from fertilizers? (This has been my big concern fertilzier-wise as I really don't want to have to tear down my 90 gal anytime soon to replace all the media and such.)

m_ms09 · #13 02-28-2009, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

Along this thread then .... Any means of avoiding salt build up in a terr from fertilizers? (This has been my big concern fertilzier-wise as I really don't want to have to tear down my 90 gal anytime soon to replace all the media and such.)

Are you using reverse osmosis or deionized water? Or are you using tap water? Tap water will have all the salts that tend to accumulate.

You can get RO water at the grocery store in these containers that can be refilled:

CoolPhrog · #14 02-28-2009, 10:34 PM

I've not seen RO water sold like that but if you have a LPS that specializes in salt water reef systems, sometimes they sell RO water but you usually need to bring your own vessel. When you say you purchased MSU fert at the show you went to, does it specify on the lable what type of water it's for? Is it for RO water?

Ross · #15 03-01-2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m_ms09

What's so special about it?? I'm going to mix some up right now!!

Nothing special. You can use just about any fertilizer that is designed to be used with the type of water you use. The MSU blend is formulated to provide the mix of nutrients most orchids expect. But there is nothing really special. I just like it. But I also use a couple others.

m_ms09 · #16 03-01-2009, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

Nothing special. You can use just about any fertilizer that is designed to be used with the type of water you use. The MSU blend is formulated to provide the mix of nutrients most orchids expect. But there is nothing really special. I just like it. But I also use a couple others.

I ended up getting the 12-2-14-6CA-3MG MSU fertilizer...not sure if it's for tap water or RO, but I use RO. I think I read somewhere that someone (maybe you?) thought it was for tap water because it seemed a little low...so they doubled it from 1/2 a tsp to 1 tsp.