It’s ready to go…our new PPS-Pro Fert Pack is everything you need to get started with the Perpetual Preservation System (PPS) method of fertilization. The PPS Pro method is a convenient, low maintenance method of fertilizing your planted tank.
Our PPS-Pro Fert Pack includes:
- Two 500mL Fertilizer Dispensing Bottles
- Plantex CSM+B (trace elements)
- Potassium Nitrate KNO3
- Mono Potassium Phosphate KH2PO4
- Potassium Sulfate K2SO4
- Magnesium Sulfate MgSO4
- dosing pipette
What you will need to get started…
- our PPS-Pro fertilizer package
- distilled or RO water
- a digital scale
Preparing the fert mix in the 500mL dosing bottles…
The following solution recipe is based on the use of two 500mL bottles. Before starting, we recommend to boil the plastic bottles to sanitize them.
Step 1.
Bottle #1 – use your digital scale to weigh the following ferts, then place dry contents in bottle:
- K2SO4 – 29.3 grams
- KNO3 – 32.6 grams
- KH2PO4 – 2.9 grams
- MgSO4 – 20.2 grams
Step 2.
Bottle #2 – use your digital scale to weigh the following ferts, then place dry contents in bottle:
- Plantex CSM+B – 28.6 grams (Trace Elements (TE) recipe updated 4/11/2016, previous recommendation was 40 grams)
Step 3.
Fill both bottles with distilled or reverse osmosis (RO) water, up to the 500mL water level line. Screw on caps tightly and shake well. Let the mixture sit over night until dissolved completely.
How to dose the mixture…
Bottle #1 Macros: daily dose of 1 mL per every 10 gallons or 40 litres of aquarium water. Dose daily, prior to your aquarium lights turning on.
Bottle #2 Micros: daily dose of 0.5 mL or 10 drops per 10 gallons or 40 litres of aquarium water. Dose daily, prior to your aquarium lights turning on. (updated 7/7/2018, previous dosing recommendation was 0.1mL or 2 drops per 10 gallons)(updated 4/11/2016, previous dosing recommendation was 1 mL per 10 gallons)
(1 ml = 20 drops)
How to do PPS-Pro with water changes?
Dose PPS-Pro Solution #1 and PPS-Pro Solution #2 at the same time daily for a week, then 50% water change.
Low light
PPS-Pro Solution #1, 0.5ml or 10 drops per 10 gallon or 40 L
PPS-Pro Solution #2, 0.25ml or 5 drops per 10 gallon or 40 L
Water change 50% once a week
This limits water column nutrient levels to 7 ppm NO3, 0.7 ppm PO4, 9 ppm K, 0.7 ppm Mg, 0.35 ppm Fe(TE).
Medium light
PPS-Pro Solution #1, 1ml per 10 gallon or 40 L
PPS-Pro Solution #2, 0.5ml per 10 gallon or 40 L
Water change 50% once a week
This limits water column nutrient levels to 14 ppm NO3, 1.4 ppm PO4, 18 ppm K, 1.4 ppm Mg, 0.7 ppm Fe(TE).
High light
PPS-Pro Solution #1, 2ml per 10 gallon or 40 L
PPS-Pro Solution #2, 1ml per 10 gallon or 40 L
Water change 50% once a week
This limits water column nutrient levels to 28 ppm NO3, 2.8 ppm PO4, 36 ppm K, 2.8 ppm Mg, 1.4 ppm Fe(TE).
(1 ml = 20 drops)
GLA Planted Tank Blog 
I just purchased your pps-pro fert pack. I can’t wait to start, I just have a few questions. Does it matter if you dose micros or macros first? Can you dose right after one another or do you have to wait? Why do you have to dose before the lights come on? And can you dose anytime at night or does it have to be right before the lights come back on?
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Hi Perry …
Thanks for your great questions! No, it doesn’t matter which you dose first, micros or macros. You can dose both daily, one after the next … no need to wait between bottles. It is recommended to dose prior to lights turning on so that the nutrients are readily available for the plants to utilize when the lights turn on. Dosing at night will be fine. Enjoy your planted tank and let us know if you have any more questions we can help with.
Thanks!
GLA
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I’m thinking about dosing via PPS but I’m concerned about what to while on vacation. Any recommendations?
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You could try to dose a bit extra the week prior to departure. Then, while on vacation, shorten your photo period and decrease CO2. When you get back home, do a water change and resume your regular routine. Good luck!
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How often should you do a water change when dosing via PPS?
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Hi James,
Good question … we recommend following the guidelines at https://sites.google.com/site/aquaticplantfertilizer/home/pps-pro …. ‘It [PPS-Pro] is designed especially for aquascapers who want a system that is performing well, doesn’t need testing and tweaking and also works with all lights and substrates, no water changes and large water changes. Entirely 100% planted aquariums with reasonable fish load.’
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Thanks for the quick response I just ordered the pps-pro fert pack but I have one more question if you use all RO water in your fresh water planted aqurium is there anything else I have to add or do I just use the pps-pro fert pack?
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James – If you are using RO water, we recommend you use GH Booster. You can find it under the Fertilizer section of our site. If you need any assistance with your current order or have any questions we can help with, please contact customer care at info@greenleafaquariums.com. We would love to help! Enjoy your planted tank!
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I had purchased the PPS pro over a year ago but switched to ADA dosing shortly after. SO my question is Im getting ready to switch back to the PPS and I have both the micros & macros already mixed, is there a shelf life on either of these or should I just go ahead and mix up a new batch?
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Observe for mold growth in the bottles … if present, go ahead and mix a new batch. You may just want to make a fresh batch.
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Hey gla is it recommended to dose daily? And what can i do to prevent the mold grow inside the bottle?? Thanks
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Yes, it’s recommended to dose daily with PPS. To help prevent mold growth, take extra care during preparation to sterilize your dosing containers; also boil your water to sanitize before mixing or buy distilled water from your grocery. Enjoy your planted tank!
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I am starting with PPS method on a 22 gallon long heavily planted tank. I do not have CO2 unit on this tank. Should I reduce the recommended dose by 50% or maybe switch to one full dose every third day…your response is greatly appreciated…thank you
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With PPS there is no reason to reduce, this is due to the lean formula.
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Do i need to dose iron if i am using the pps fertilizer ?
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PPS contains iron EDTA in its micro solution.
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How much should I increase the dose if my tank is planted heavily.
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That depends on how your tank is set up. The increase would usually be a result of nutrient demand in the tank. So you would need to figure out what your demand is. if you’re not into water parameter testing using real lab grade test kits vs hobby test kits, then start with doubling your dose. PPS-Pro dosing system is a lean dosing system, you’re only dosing enough plant food for the plants to completely use up during that days photo period. So increasing 2-5x wont hurt anything.
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I don’t see a response samuels question.
Do i need to dose iron if i am using the pps fertilizer ?
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Hi James, PPS already contains 7% iron EDTA
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My lights go on when I’m not home. Is it ok to dose 7hrs before the light cycle or should I dose halfway through it?
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It’s ok to dose at anytime, as long as you dont skip dosing your good to go.
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I regularly leave over the weekends, meaning I have an opportunity to dose Friday, but not again until Sunday evening. How do you recommend using PPS in this situation/
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Great question. It’s no problem, just double your dose on Friday.
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i heard in high tech aquariums 20ppm nitrate is good…
this kit does 1ppm per dose, right?
What are people’s thoughts?
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Nitrate levels are dependent on the actual uptake demand. So if the demand for nitrate is high then simply having any registered amount of nitrate be it 5ppm or 40ppm is good.
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What is the best way to store nutrient after its been mixed for usage? In the dark, in the fridge, anywhere? How long is each mix good for?
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Store in a cool dark location. Micro solutions prefer to not be exposed to to much UV light.
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how often do you recommend water changes/?
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please refer to the FAQ regarding water changes at: https://sites.google.com/site/aquaticplantfertilizer/home/chemicals
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I’ve been dosing before leaving for work in the morning which is around 5:30 am.
My lights come on around 4:30pm when I’m not home from work. Is this ok?
Also, since I’ve started dosing I’ve noticed that the tips of older growth on some of my Broadleaf Temple plants are turning brown. Is this normal? Sort of a “it gets worse before it gets better” thing?? Thanks in advance.
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Yes it’s ok.
Leaves turning brown could be the result of many things, light,co2,nutrients or any other chemical added to the tank.
In general, nutrients addition is the easiest thing to do. Most overlook co2 and light. These 2 are harder to dial in as they are invisible elements you can’t measure or see with the eye. Because people can’t see it they think it’s not a problem. As the old saying goes, ” Out of sight out of mind”
Nutrient addition is as easy, so plant issues such as deficiency are easily avoided. Adjusting your dose might help, likely not though.
I’d look into your co2 and light intensity. Perhaps consider other chemicals as well, namely Seachem Excel. It’s a very harsh carcinogen that is capable of burning and melting plants. It’s pretty toxic, being mainly used as an industrial disinfectant in the medical field.
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Why did the trace elements dosing lower. I just ordered the pps pro
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Hi Jeff,
For questions regarding PPS, please refer to it’s creator at https://sites.google.com/site/aquaticplantfertilizer/home/pps-pro.
In our opinion, there is nothing wrong with the new or old recipe, just use the one that works best for your tank. thank you
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I have a fairly new planted tank. I only have a few swords and a couple patches of baby tears. How much would i dose of each daily, Since my tank is not heavily planted?
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Sorry, I think a little more info about my tank would be helpful. I have a 29G bowfront, 2in of Mr. Aqua aquarium soil, Co2 tank, and a finnex planted + 24/7 on 24/7 setting.
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With a low or medium light planted you would want to start with the low light method recommended for PPS-Pro, please see below.
How to do PPS-Pro with water changes?
Easy, no worry approach. Dose PPS-Pro Solution #1 and PPS-Pro Solution #2 at the same time daily for a week, then 50% water change.
Low light
PPS-Pro Solution #1, 0.5ml or 10 drops per 10 gallon or 40 L
PPS-Pro Solution #2, 1 drop per 10 gallon or 40 L
Water change 50% once a week
This limits water column nutrient levels to 7 ppm NO3, 0.7 ppm PO4, 9 ppm K, 0.7 ppm Mg, 0.07 ppm Fe(TE).
Medium light
PPS-Pro Solution #1, 1ml per 10 gallon or 40 L
PPS-Pro Solution #2, 2 drops per 10 gallon or 40 L
Water change 50% once a week
This limits water column nutrient levels to 14 ppm NO3, 1.4 ppm PO4, 18 ppm K, 1.4 ppm Mg, 0.14 ppm Fe(TE).
High light
PPS-Pro Solution #1, 2ml per 10 gallon or 40 L
PPS-Pro Solution #2, 4 drops per 10 gallon or 40 L
Water change 50% once a week
This limits water column nutrient levels to 28 ppm NO3, 2.8 ppm PO4, 36 ppm K, 2.8 ppm Mg, 0.28 ppm Fe(TE).
(1 ml = 20 drops)
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My fertilizer is getting moldy, do i need to keep refrigerated?
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It’s recommended to store your ferts in a cool, dark place, away from UV light. You can also experiment with adding a preservative such as ascorbic acid (1 gram per 1000ml) or potassium sorbate (0.4 grams per 1000ml), or a bit of seachem excel.
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I’m starting a new 55 gallon low light (fluorescent) tank. I plan on planting low tech plants swords and such. No co2. I will use distilled water to mix ferts. My aquarium has regular tap water.
Is the PPS Pro package good for this setup? I am planning on upgrading lights to LED in future but as for now I only have the fluorescent.
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Hi Kevin! Yes, the PPS-Pro fertilizer package will be an excellent choice for your tank. Have fun with it!!
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I received my fert package this week and I need a few questions answered please. First, based on the instructions I read above, my 45g based on medium light will need a daily dose of 4.5ml of solution #1 and .5ml of solution #2. Is this correct? Can I just use a syringe and be done with it or do I really need to dose drop by drop?
Second question. As I’m sure many people felt the same way as I did when I saw 50% water changes every week. While I understand the principle behind it, what I would like to know is whether anyone has reported any detrimental effects to livestock with water changes that size. It just seems a bit extreme. Is there any alternative to using your product without the enormous water changes? Perhaps a “PPS Light” method? 🙂
I thank you for your time. I will be ordering a Co2 unit from you shortly.
Regards,
John
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Hi John, thanks for your questions, we have forwarded them to our customer care department, please expect a response shortly!! 🙂
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John, thanks for your questions!!
Response 1: You are welcome to dose however you feel is appropriate, a syringe is fine in place of a dropper if you can achieve your required dosage.
Response 2: As GLA is not the creator of the DIY PPS fertilization method, the best resource for PPS questions/concerns can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/aquaticplantfertilizer/home/pps-pro. Please refer to the FAQ’s at https://sites.google.com/site/aquaticplantfertilizer/home/chemicals, the following FAQ’s may be helpful in guiding you toward less frequent water changes based on TDS readings (https://sites.google.com/site/aquaticplantfertilizer/home/tds-meter):
How do I start PPS-Pro?
We all know new setups are challenging. Plants need time to adapt to new conditions.
To begin, aquarium water can start at any nutrient levels. Then we start dosing daily PPS-Pro solution #1 (Macros) at 1 ml per 10 gallon or 40 L and PPS-Pro #2 (Trace elements) at 2 drops per 10 gallon or 40 L. (Daily dose of 1 ppm NO3, 0.1 ppm PO4, 1.33 ppm K, 0.1 ppm Mg, 0.01 ppm Fe(TE))
During this time and in to the future we need to switch from test kits to conductivity readings. This is easier, cheaper, faster and more accurate to overall living condition. Everything in an aquarium, alive or not, has some relationship to conductivity. TDS-tester
The way it is done is to maintain consistent levels of pollutants, like fertilizers, substrate leaks, fish waste, decoration leaks and other with water changes. Some setups involve large water changes at times, and some more balanced, not so much. That’s the beauty. Plants and fish love consistency.
For example, when your tap is 300 µS, one PPS-Pro daily fertilizer dose is 6µS. This one dose is 1 ppm of NO3. So to limit the NO3 to theoretical 15 ppm we need to make sure the conductivity reading is kept under (6 x 15) + 300 = 390 µS with water changes.
If you feel like needing more fertilizer then there is no problem to dose more ml of the PPS-Pro solutions. The conductivity reading will take care of it and balance it out.
(1 ml = 20 drops)
What is the PPS-Pro conductivity TDS target range?
Water change IF ( aquarium µS ) > ( tap + 100µS )
Example
Tap 300 µS + PPS-Pro 100 µS = 400 µS
If ( aquarium µS ) > 400 then water change
How do I use a TDS Tester with PPS-Pro?
This is the best combo. The TDS tester will tell you when and how large water changes are needed to maintain water column consistency.
This is how it works. RO water is ~10µS, one daily PPS-Pro #1 dose is 1 ppm of NO3 representing ~6µS. So, to limit NO3 to 15 ppm, we need to make sure that the water column TDS reading is not more than 100µS (10+15*6=100). If it is more than we need to change water to bring the TDS reading back to 100µS.
For tap water, let’s say 300µS tap, we have 300+15*6=390µS limit. So if the aquarium water column is more than 390µS we need to change water to bring it back to 390µS.
How do I find daily TDS increase due to PPS-Pro dose?
If you want to know the daily fertilizer TDS addition, then add 10 drops of PPS-Pro macros and 1 drop of PPS-Pro micros in 1000 ml water. Then,
TDS daily fertilizer = ( TDS 1000 ml water with fertilizers – TDS 1000 ml water without fertilizers ) / 20
This is for solution #1 macros at 1 ml per 10 gallon or 40L and #2 micros at 1/10th of 1 ml per 10 gallon or 40L daily addition of 1 ppm NO3, 0.1 ppm PO4, 1.33 ppm K, 0.1 ppm Mg and 0.01 ppm TE(Fe). Additionally, this option applies to µS and ppm of any mode.
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