The manufacturer informs: 

Overview

A concentrated source of Nitrogen, one of the most important plant nutrients, necessary for plant growth and health and used mainly for the production of nucleic acids and proteins, accounting for up to 2% of the dry weight of plant tissue.

Nitrogen is present as nitrate, a suitable form for use in aquaria (ammonium can be converted to toxic ammonia in aquaria with a pH above 7.0; urea is a source of ammonia).

It contains Kelp extract, which provides natural phytohormones known as growth and bloom stimulants.

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

Technical Background

Nitrogen is needed by plants in the largest quantity of the three major (macro) nutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. Nitrogen is part of all living cells and is a requirement of metabolic processes in which proteins, amino acids, coenzymes and nucleic acids are synthesised. It is an integral part of chlorophyll synthesis through photosynthesis, the process by which light energy is used to convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates, which, in turn, are used to produce the energy required for growth and development.

A percentage of nitrogen in aquaria is also provided as ammonium and ammonia, derived from fish waste and the decomposition of certain nitrogen-containing molecules, such as latent dissolved nitrogen and nitrogen present as particulate organic matter, however this is not sufficient to meet the needs of plants.Especially in densely planted aquaria with intense lighting, CO2 supplementation and/or very few fish, Nitrogen can become a growth-limiting factor in plants; in extreme cases, deficiency of this element can result in chlorosis, a situation in which leaves turn pale (especially the older ones, which tend to be in the periphery). Nitrogen deficiency tends to make new leaves grow smaller and paler than normal, and the overall health of the plant is compromised.

The nitrogen source contained in FlorinGro is derived from nitrate compounds. Although it is absolutely certain that plants utilise ammonium and urea components effectively, our experience, combined with extensive research, has led us to exclude these ingredients from FlorinGro, as there is a clear danger of these substances to fish and other aquarium inhabitants when pH values in the tank exceed 7.0; we consider these nitrogen sources to be useful for botanists and garden growers, but not suitable for use in an aquarium. Nitrogen should be mainly present as nitrate and maintained at a concentration of less than 20 ppm. Besides Nitrogen, Magnesium, Iron and Potassium are also important for chlorophyll production. Maintain a total Iron concentration between 0.05 - 0.10 ppm, Magnesium less than ~5 ppm, and Potassium between 15 - 30 ppm.

Instructions and Guidelines

Shake the product well before use. The most effective method of dosing a supplement of a specific ion is to determine the ion concentration in the aquarium before supplementing. Keep the nitrate concentration in a range of 10-20 ppm; it is not recommended to exceed 25 ppm nitrate in planted aquaria with fish and/or invertebrates.

Beginner: add 5 ml of the product for every 189.3 litres (50 gallons) of aquarium water every other day or as required; this corresponds to 1 ml (about 8 drops) for every 37.9 litres (50 gallons). When used in this way, 250 ml treats up to 9464 litres (2500 gallons).

Expert: dheterminate the concentration of nitrate (NO3-) in the aquarium by using an accurate test before supplementing. Each ml of FlorinGro will increase NO3 in 3.785 litres of water (1 gallon) by 17.5 ppm. Each drop (250 and 500 ml bottle cap) will increase NO3 in 3.785 litres (1 gallon) of water by 2.2 ppm and NO3 in 75.7 litres (20 gallons) by 0.11 ppm. Should the initial NO3 in the aquarium be below 20 ppm, dose this product at a maximum dosage of 1 ml per 18.9 litres (5 gallons) of water each day until the desired concentration is achieved, then dose daily or weekly as required. Always try to keep nitrate in a range of +/- 2 ppm. To determine the dosing rate of this product, once the desired NO3 level has been reached, measure the daily rate of nitrate consumption in the aquarium by measuring NO3 at the same time each day for a period of 1-2 weeks. To determine the daily dosage (preferable to weekly) required to allow nitrate levels to be maintained, make an estimate of the volume of water present in the whole aquarium system, divide the drop in nitrate level by 17.5, multiply this number by the volume of water present in the system to obtain the daily dosage required (in ml) to maintain a stable NO3 level. Daily dosing allows for more stable [NO3-] levels (and a more natural environment) than weekly dosing, which causes a peak in [NO3-] immediately after dosing and a gradual decline over the course of the week. Densely planted aquaria with intense lighting, CO2 supplementation and very few fish are those in which the most noticeable results of nitrogen supplementation will be seen. Start with a lower dosage and increase as needed, but do not overdose.

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

Guaranteed analyses

1.5-0-0; Total nitrogen (N) as nitrate (min) 1.50% (444 mg/oz.; 15,000 ppm)

Source of nutrientsSodium nitrate.

Other IngredientsPurified water, Kelp extract.