"Hal" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 3 Apr 2007 17:05:18 CST, Altum
wrote:

I run my tiny pond much like an aquarium. I fertilize the water with
the same mix of bulk potassium nitrate, potassium phosphate, potassium
sulfate, and hydroponic trace element/iron fertilizer that I use in the
indoor tanks. Phosphate in the water column makes the WH and canna
lilies bloom like crazy. I don't see why it wouldn't do the same for a
bare-root lily.

That's interesting.

It does sound suspiciously like it might contain the same stuff as a
numbered soluble fertilizer like 15-30-15, that I find at Walmart. I
don't know where these chemicals come from, or if they are in
combination with potassium but my understanding is they are simply
nitrates, phosphates and potassium.

Some come with trace elements. I'm experimenting with Miracle-Grow and
products like it right now. It's not toxic to fish that I can see. The
5-10-5 for gardens works well in the water I grow pond plants in. It
doesn't seem to bother the frogs but has no trace elements listed on the
bags. I think I'll add MG next time and see if there's a difference.

What is the difference in using a mix of bulk potassium nitrate,
potassium phosphate, potassium sulfate? Sounds like potassium comes
with everything and I wonder why, and if it works better?

Regards,

Hal
--

RM....
Frugal ponding since 1995.
rec.ponder since late 1996.
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
http://tinyurl.com/9do58
Zone 6. Middle TN USA
ISP: Hughes.net
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