Dosing Calculator
Phosphorus to Phosphate Converter
If you're using a Hanna Instruments phosphorus checker (measures in ppb), use this converter to find the equivalent phosphate value (in ppm) for dosing calculations:
Conversion formula: Phosphate (ppm) = Phosphorus (ppb) × 3.066 ÷ 1000
This conversion is specifically calibrated for the Hanna Instruments HI736 Ultra Low Range Phosphorus Checker.
Reference: Hanna Instruments Phosphorus to Phosphate Conversion Table (PDF)
How To Use
- Enter your tank volume and select either Litres, UK Gallons or US Gallons.
- Select the nutrient you wish to use and from the chemical it is obtained.
- Enter the amount of the chemical that is to be added to the solution and also if you are using Grams, Teaspoons or Tablespoons. This may require a bit of trial and error to achieve the desired ppm figure. Remember that only so much of a chemical can be added to a given amount of water.
- Enter the amount of water that is going to be used for the fertiliser solution.
- Enter how much solution you wish to add to the tank in each dose. Some people like to add small amounts at a time like 2ml whilst others like to add large amounts like 50ml. The choice is yours.
- Click the 'Calculate' button to display the ppm value. This is the amount that the selected nutrient will raise your tank level by.
Note: The calculator can also be used if you dose dry chemicals by putting a value of 1 in both the 'Amount of water to mix with' and 'Each ml of solution..' fields.
What ppm Values Do I Need
What amount of nutrient you wish to add depends on your dosing schedule but if dosing Estimative Index then here is a general guide:
- 8ppm of Nitrate which is added 3x a week
- 2ppm of Phosphate which is added 3x a week
Teaspoon Quantities
Weights used for each chemical using one teaspoon (5ml):
| Chemical | Weight per Teaspoon |
|---|---|
| Potassium Nitrate | 6.0g |
| Potassium Phosphate | 6.6g |
| Potassium Sulphate | 5.1g |
| Magnesium Sulphate heptahydrate | 5.1g |
| Calcium Sulphate dihydrate | 4.1g |
| Calcium Chloride anhydrous | 3.5g |
Solubility in Water
Maximum solubility of the various chemicals:
| Chemical | Maximum Solubility |
|---|---|
| Potassium Nitrate | 36g per 100ml |
| Potassium Phosphate | 22g per 100ml |
| Potassium Sulphate | 11.1g per 100ml |
| Magnesium Sulphate heptahydrate | 25.5g per 100ml |
| Calcium Sulphate dihydrate | 0.24g per 100ml |
| Calcium Chloride anhydrous | 74g per 100ml |