{"product_id":"2hr-aquarist-apt-estimative-index-e-i","title":"2HR Aquarist APT Estimative Index (E.I.)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"image-element__wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Analysis of the Estimative Index (EI) nutrient dosing approach\" data-src=\"\/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_1600x.jpg?v=1567690918\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1800\/1000\" data-srcset=\"\/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_5000x.jpg?v=1567690918 5000w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_4500x.jpg?v=1567690918 4500w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_4000x.jpg?v=1567690918 4000w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_3500x.jpg?v=1567690918 3500w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_3000x.jpg?v=1567690918 3000w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_2500x.jpg?v=1567690918 2500w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_2000x.jpg?v=1567690918 2000w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_1800x.jpg?v=1567690918 1800w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_1600x.jpg?v=1567690918 1600w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_1400x.jpg?v=1567690918 1400w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_1200x.jpg?v=1567690918 1200w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_1000x.jpg?v=1567690918 1000w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_800x.jpg?v=1567690918 800w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_600x.jpg?v=1567690918 600w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_400x.jpg?v=1567690918 400w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_200x.jpg?v=1567690918 200w\" height=\"1000\" width=\"1800\" class=\"transition--color lazyautosizes lazyloaded\" srcset=\"\/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_5000x.jpg?v=1567690918 5000w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_4500x.jpg?v=1567690918 4500w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_4000x.jpg?v=1567690918 4000w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_3500x.jpg?v=1567690918 3500w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_3000x.jpg?v=1567690918 3000w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_2500x.jpg?v=1567690918 2500w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_2000x.jpg?v=1567690918 2000w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_1800x.jpg?v=1567690918 1800w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_1600x.jpg?v=1567690918 1600w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_1400x.jpg?v=1567690918 1400w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_1200x.jpg?v=1567690918 1200w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_1000x.jpg?v=1567690918 1000w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_800x.jpg?v=1567690918 800w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_600x.jpg?v=1567690918 600w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_400x.jpg?v=1567690918 400w,\n    \/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_200x.jpg?v=1567690918 200w\" sizes=\"880px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/tombarr120gallonv2_1_orig_1600x.jpg?v=1567690918\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rte has-padding-top\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNon-Limiting Philosophy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEI aims to dose all nutrients in excess through heavily dousing the water column with nutrients. Levels are normalised at the end of each week with large (50%) water changes. The aim is to provide plants with non-limiting amounts of nutrients.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe EI philosophy in simplified form is as follows: Fundamentally, it is difficult to gauge with precision the exact uptake rates in a tank for any particular nutrient. This is especially so when the tank has different types of plants and other growth parameters involved (light\/CO2). However, dosing everything \"in excess\" removes any possible nutrient deficiency from the analysis (we assume plants are getting all the nutrients they require through the plentiful amount in the water column) and allows the aquarist to focus on tweaking the other growth variables: light, CO2 levels (this is usually the hardest thing to get right), and other water parameters.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut what about algae? EI theory is based on the idea that if plant growth is taken cared of, plant mass will out-compete algae. It says that algae presence is not determined by whether nutrients are available or not, but rather whether or not there is sufficient plant mass to compete algae (not only in terms of nutrients, but space, light). Healthy plants are the best defence against algae. This is covered more in the portion about diagnosing\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/blogs\/algae-control\" title=\"Control algae\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ealgae issues\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA weekly cumulative dose of nutrients according to EI would be around:\u003cbr\u003eNO3 - up to 20 - 30ppm\u003cbr\u003ePO4 - up to 5 - 7ppm\u003cbr\u003eK - up to 20 - 30ppm\u003cbr\u003eFe\/traces - up to 0.5 - 1ppm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDivide the above by number of days dosing is done to get a daily dosing rate. Some people use higher\/lower levels compared to the usual recommendations, and many tanks are flexible enough that things work in a large range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/barrreport.com\/\" title=\"Tom barr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTom Barr\u003c\/a\u003e's tanks (such as the one above) are often used as the marketing face for EI. However, his success is more closely tied to good maintenance, quality of lighting and upkeep than on the actual nutrient ratios used, but people tend to get caught up with the nutrient angle. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTom Barr campaigns strongly for the idea that high levels of nutrients in the water column do not cause algae issues - if plant mass was dominant \u0026amp; healthy in the tank.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe rich red colors of many 'Dutch style' tanks are largely the impact of lighting - and not because of particularly heavy nutrient dosing into the water column, a concept that many beginners are mistaken on. Indeed, certain plant species such as Rotala rotundifolia \u0026amp; Ludwigia arcuata\/brevipes are significantly redder when grown under a lean dosing regime rather than EI.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0571\/2180\/0269\/files\/APT_Choice_Guide_1600x_c1acf4e4-03b7-4984-a952-c3baadeb4882.webp?v=1772409960\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSUMMARY OF PROS AND CONS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADVANTAGES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFast growth, faster propagation, tanks fill in much faster.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlants that do well with heavy water column dosing will grow more robust, thicker.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlants that access nutrients from water column do not have to wait for root growth to develop, this reduces growth lag time between replanting cycles for certain plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeficiencies are easy to rule out, making it easier to focus on tuning CO2, light and other factors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMakes tank less dependent on substrate \u0026amp; substrate enrichment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDISADVANTAGES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFast growth will require more trimming.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDue to increased growth rates, tanks tend to look unkempt unless trimmed and managed frequently. This generally means increased maintenance work.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlants that are sensitive to heavy water column dosing may get stunted tips (more so in hardwater tanks); applies to various Rotala , Ammania species, Pogostemon erectus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlants that require low nitrates to get red (Rotala rotundifolia\/H'ra\/Colorata, Ludwigia arcuata\/brevipes etc) will be less red\/more orange.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnless tank is stable, very clean, may exaggerate existing algae issues. High NO3 levels often exaggerate GDA (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/blogs\/algae-control\/how-to-control-green-dust-algae\" title=\"How to control green dust algae\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003egreen dust algae\u003c\/a\u003e) problems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0230\/7266\/9773\/files\/JoeHarvey8.jpg?v=1582837998\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eShould I use Estimative Index dosing?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTanks that are suitable for EI dosing approach:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you have a very fully planted tank (\u0026gt;70% of substrate planted).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTank consists of plants that grow more robust in heavy water column fertilization; (i.e. Ludwigia pantanal \u0026amp; other heavy feeders).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you plan to farm plants and hence want faster growth rates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you can keep up with the increased trimming\/maintenance associated with faster growth rates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you are rushing to complete a project, and need maximum growth speed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you are good at tank maintenance and have a very clean tank with few triggers for algae.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTanks that will probably do better on a leaner dosing approach:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you have a hardscape heavy setup with light planting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf your tank consists of mostly slow growers and your priority is to keep them spotlessly clean.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf your priority is tank stability and you want slower more controlled growth speed in plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you have persistent green dust algae issues.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNon-CO2 injected tanks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you have hardwater and are facing tip stunting issues with Lythraceae (Various Ammania, Rotala species, Pogostemon erectus, etc).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Here are the links for further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/blogs\/freshwater-aquarium-plants-guide\" title=\"Aquarium plants care guide\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDetailed care guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto aquarium plants\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. How to grow\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.2hraquarist.com\/blogs\/freshwater-aquarium-plants-guide\/how-to-grow-red-plants\" title=\"How to grow red aquarium plants\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ered aquarium plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Simply Fish","offers":[{"title":"Standard (300ml)","offer_id":41528234573901,"sku":"","price":33.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200ml","offer_id":41528234606669,"sku":"","price":24.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"500ml","offer_id":41528234639437,"sku":"","price":39.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Litre","offer_id":41528234672205,"sku":"","price":69.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0571\/2180\/0269\/files\/APTe_300ml_2000px_5000x_31c1c7d5-be8b-49a4-92e2-d050f817fe29.jpg?v=1736928483","url":"https:\/\/simplyfish.co.nz\/products\/2hr-aquarist-apt-estimative-index-e-i","provider":"Simply Fish","version":"1.0","type":"link"}