The manufacturer informs:

Overview

Concentrated source of inorganic phosphorus for use in plant aquaria.

Formulated on the basis of extensive research into the nutrient requirements of aquatic plants.

Technical Background

Of the three major or 'macro' plant nutrients, Phosphorous is required in the least amount. In some aquatic environments with little organic material, the resulting low concentration of Phosphorous can limit the ability of plants to obtain and utilise the nutrients available in their environment, leading to slow or stunted growth. Even in environments that seem to be perfect in terms of current and physical and chemical conditions (e.g. intense lighting, pH and temperature in suitable ranges, adequate presence of inorganic carbon, abundant nitrogen, potassium and trace elements), lush and rapid plant growth will not be achieved without an adequate presence of Phosphorus. In fact, Phosphorus could be said to be the key to unlocking the plants' potential to utilise nutrients, and their resulting growth, in this type of environment. Consequently, too much Phosphorous in the aquatic environments described can lead to rapid algal growth. In general, maintaining a ratio of about 10-20 parts Nitrogen to 1 part Phosphorous will tend to lead to rapid plant growth, without encouraging algal growth; when the N:P ratio decreases (i.e. the amount of Phosphorous per unit Nitrogen increases, or, more simply, the concentration of Phosphorous in the water begins to increase relative to the concentration of Nitrogen), it is not unusual for algal growth to become very rapid. Note that the environment described above is encountered in densely planted aquaria with few fish and/or motile invertebrates such as shrimps.

Florin-P provides an appropriate, high-purity form of Phosphorus for plant aquaria. When using a Phosphorus supplement, it is imperative to avoid overdosing; signs of excess Phosphorus become familiar to an aquarist. The goal should be sustained, manageable growth of healthy plants, understanding that growth rates may vary between and (sometimes) within species as a result of different physical factors such as light intensity, shaded location, and water flow that will not be uniform across the entire aquarium. Phenolic compounds released by higher plants can increase in quantity in mature planted aquariums, and this helps to control algae through natural methods. Ensuring that the previously discussed N:P ratio is maintained will help maintain healthy plants in the aquarium, although each system has different needs for Phosphorus and Nitrogen. The dosage of Florin-P and a Nitrogen supplement, such as FlorinGro, should be adjusted by the aquarist according to the needs of the plants.

Instructions and Guidelines

Read the instructions and technical background completely before first use. Use an accurate phosphate test to determine the phosphate requirement of the system before administering Florin-P in a mature aquarium. Do not overdose. Do not use indiscriminately, which may lead to excessive algae growth in most well-lit, mature aquaria.

During the first 4-6 weeks of use, start with one drop of Florin-P per 75.7 litres (20 gallons) of water per day and adjust the dosage later according to the system's need for phosphorus.

One drop (~0.05 ml) dosed into 3.785 litres of water (1 gallon) will increase the total Phosphorus concentration by ~0.02 ppm, equivalent to an increase of ~0.06 ppm phosphate. One ml of Florin-P dosed in 3.785 litres of water will increase total Phosphorus by ~0.40 ppm, equivalent to an increase of ~1.23 ppm phosphate.

Regardless of the rate and dosing method, monitor the aquarium for signs of unwanted algae growth during the first few weeks of using a Phosphorus supplement and adjust the dosage accordingly. Daily dosing will usually give the best results compared to less frequent dosing, due to the relative stability of the Phosphorous concentration that this entails.

Florin-P is not a significant source of potassium.

Attention: Keep out of reach of children. Not suitable for human use.

Guaranteed Analyses

0-0.35-0; total phosphate (P₂O₅) (min) 0.347%

Source of nutrients: Potassium diphosphate

Other Ingredients : Purified water.