Vacation time

Vacation time


Two or three day weekends can be as easy as dosing and changing nothing but longer periods of time two or three weeks need more attention for plants to be well on our return. The most successful is to slow plants metabolism and growth speed in order to conserve its energy and resources. Because plants are driven by light and CO2 we need to adjust those parameters.


Low light aquariums don’t need any changes, but medium and high light aquariums need to lower light duration. Medium light aquariums should have two hours less light than usual but no less then six. High light aquariums should have photoperiod of only six hours a day. Then CO2 levels need to be adjusted to provide enough carbon while not driving plants into extremely fast growing speed. Lowering levels to 10 to 15 ppm make condition more sustainable in the long run.


Lastly test for NO3 level and if low add more KNO3 up to 15 ppm. After vacation, test for NO3 level and if over 15 ppm then lower it with water changes. Then continue dosing as usual, plants will return to normal in a short time.


FAQ


Do I dose more before leaving for a vacation?

No. Dosing more would trigger a disaster. Healthy plants have enough stored nutrients in it's structure to survive for weeks. Good practice is to make sure there is about 15 ppm of NO3 in the water, if not add KNO3.


How much KNO3 do I add before vacation?

Good practice is to make sure there is about 15 ppm of NO3 in the water, if not add KNO3.


9.3 gram / 100 gallon -> 15 ppm

2.45 gram / 100 litre -> 15 ppm


Do I have to do a water change before or after vacation?

Not if water parameters are ok.


What if I already have the same conditions as the vacation recommendations?

Then do nothing.


Is it better to change light intensity or duration for vacation period?

Light duration. Light intensity changes cause some plants to drop leaves which may create unfortunate consequences during vacation time.


Should I get two dosing pumps for the vacation time?

Excellent idea but not before vacation. You want to see the pumps working reliably for some time before leaving.


Isn’t better to ask a friend to dose as usual?

Absolutely, anyone can follow PPS dosing routine, it’s simple.