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This thread is for the general discussion of the link IFC Aquarium Fertilizer Calculator. Please add to the discussion here.

How to use: When opening the file everything should be self-explanatory. You will land on the 'Home' sheet. Follow from there. We highly suggest you read the quick Guide (a link is provided in the Home sheet when you open the file) so you understand the purpose of each of the sheets in the file. Once you have done that, and before you start playing the mad scientist, we suggest that you go through the CoreSetting sheet as it will allow you fine tune the backend to your specific situation/needs. This is not per-say a requirement and you can always do this anytime but it will allow you to get better acquainted with things. Once you have done that, you can go to the Tank&Dosing sheet. That's where you will start your journey in creating your fertilizer.

All sheets will have the following icons on the top left. Some will have less, some will have more depending on which sheet you are on.


These are simply shortcuts to other sheets for your convenience. However you can also go from one sheet to another using the traditional Excel tabs at the bottom of Excel as shown below.


Please read the following important technical notes:

• The calculator is Excel-based and there is no MACRO/VBA involved. This was done on purpose to minimize any potential security risks.
• Compatible with Excel 365 for Windows and Mac. Should also work fine with Excel 2016 and Excel 2019. For Excel 2010 and 2013 our initial tests show it works fine but we did not fully test under those versions. In terms of visuals, things might also slightly differ from the intended look. Below those versions (i.e Excel 2007 or lower), the calculator will definitely not work as intended and we will not support if run under those versions).
• File will definitely not work as intended with free and open-source office suite like LibreOffice or under Linux and Co.
• Under Excel Online things don't look as intended. Some people report that calculations are fine but I never really took the time to fully debug it under Excel Online. Maybe one day I will.
• If you feel you screwed up something with the file or your Excel crashed unexpectedly it might be worth making a fresh download.
• Although the user has the option to select between metric and imperial units in the CoreSettings sheet, all user input NEEDS to be done in metric units. Why? Because the imperial units are only there to provide visual guidance.
• Finally, we provide the ability to chose between several currencies. However all prices currently in the calculator are expressed in British Pound sterling (GBP). If you want to change to another currency you will need to convert the prices yourself in the CoreSettings sheet where all the chemical compound prices can be updated at will.

Enjoy.

@Zeus. & @Hanuman

Hi guys!

I'm new here, but not entirely new to planted tanks though I've been out of the hobby for the better part of the last decade between kids and moving a couple of times - but finally in a spot where I can do something again. I'm mostly going to be making things up as I go along, but plan on a lot of automation (I want to integrate everything into home assistant) and a lot of DIY as I love the challenge of building things out myself.

The starting point:

I picked up a 90P rimless, low-iron tank on a great deal.



I have a rough idea in my head for a stand to be built from plywood - just have a couple other house projects to finish off before starting that built.

Wife says I can only have one aquarium, so for this tank, I want to go all out with a sump to allow for auto top off, and auto water changes, auto fertilizer dosing etc. etc. I have half a plan in my mind.

I've also started on the light fixture which I've modeled up in CAD, and plan on making out of an 8020 extrusion, and some 3D printed bits.

I'm using bridgelux gen 3 thrive CW (3000k) and WW (5000k) LED strips which have super high CRI at 98+ along with some specific XPE2 wavelengths that I'll solder onto some starboards. Far Red (730nm), Red (654nm), Cyan (495nm), Blue (455nm), Visible UV (415nm). Each segment of the white channels will be on its own driver so I can adjust left to right brightness in thirds, and each colour channel on its own driver so I can vary each channel on a time-based approach.

These will be run from a custom PCB board with Meanwell N-LDD drivers, and will run ESPHome on an ESP32 so it can link up with my Home Assistant installation.


That's it for now, this will probably be a very slow build so be warned if you follow along!

Welcome to ScapeCrunch, @jeffkrol!
We would love to get to know you. Please tell us about yourself. What tank do you have?

ADA has recently released the ADA Japan Denim Tool Pocket as a campaign-exclusive.

The pocket is made from denim fabric produced in Kurashiki, Okayama, one of Japan’s most renowned denim-producing regions. Handcrafted for both functionality and versatility, it provides a convenient way to organize and carry your aquarium maintenance tools, while also being designed for use in a variety of everyday situations.

If you are a gear-head like me, this is exciting news and I'm already trying to see how I can get my hands on this.

Filed under the heading, "Do I need it? No. Do I want it? Yes."

ScapeCrunchers,

I am very pleased to announce that the IFC Calculator is the very first entry into our brand new Useful Links directory. This is special to me as the authors of this Excel-based calculator are our fellow members - @Zeus. and @Hanuman.

As you continue to grow in your planted aquarium journey, sooner or later you will begin to "roll your own" fertilizer. I've tried to go commercial for the ease but I always seem to go back to rolling my own fertilizer. The IFC Calculator makes your life easier when you do this. Trust me.

There is a learning curve at the beginning but having the authors as our members should make this less painful. You can always just as for help. However, once you get used to how the calculator works, it's incredibly flexible and informative.

I would highly encourage you to take some time to familiarize yourself with it and ask for help if needed. You won't regret it.

There is A LOT of history to this that is tied to some of the biggest names in the hobby's past. I tried to get them into the USA with Clause Christensen back in the 90s but no-go.

This would be big news for US hobbyists as availability of healthy, aquarium-ready plants is THE limiting factor in expanding the hobby in the USA.

It will be tough to get away, but I have managed to finagle enough coverage for the weekend, so I did it! I have my ticket! I figure why not? It’s actually not that far from me. Daichi Araki from ADA is teaching an aquascaping masterclass on Saturday morning. Also interested in the ADA Shizuku workshop.



Juris Jutjajevs previously announced he will be attending the Jersey show.

I have never been to an Aquashella, so don’t entirely know what to expect, but I presume it is much like any large convention exhibit hall experience. Any ‘Crunchers thinking of attending the Jersey show?