Todd, I disagree I jump for joy when we have alkalinity at or above 20 ppm. We get bloom even when less but you have to use more fertilizer. Agree it is easier to fertilize when combined with feeder/waste. Super important to monitor visibility to mantian desired level both for getting results and for not over fertiilizing (fihkill).
Do not start fertilization until constant 60 degree-wait couple more weeks maybe. I think it is easiet to use the water soluble fertilizer. We spent a huge amount of of our money getting bulk fertilizer and our label. We ship out our labelled Trophy grower 10-52-4 max product all over the US if interested and usually beat others price. Liquid will work as well but need to dilute at least 4 to 1 with water or most settles on bottom. Good luck.
