Alternative to Kent's R/O Right?

[LS2012]

What are members using with R/O water in their planted tanks?

I've been using Kent's along with Seachem Alkaline and Acid buffers since I have private well water. Recently a friend suggested Seachem Equilibrium and Alkaline buffer instead because Kent's contains salt ~ which is obviously not great for plants. Another alternative suggested was GH booster from Greenleaf Aquariums.

My planted tank is 110G with SA Cichlids. Set up about 4 months with 2 eheim 2217s from my other cycled tanks and a hydor 1050 evo ph. 28 inches high x 18 x 48. Ph 7.4, gh/kh 5/6, temp 79° I use root tabs, and alternate daily micro/macro pps pro liquid ferts.

Low tech tank, 48in Current USA Sat+ lighting. I'm waiting for the new planted tank lights from Finnex or Current to come out, hopefully soon. The Sat+ is not enough light for plant growth in a tank this tall. Plants include Bronze Wendtii, Willow Hygro, Anubias, Jungle Vals and pothos with roots only in tank.

The plants aren't doing well. Mostly, I'm guessing because there's not enough light. However, I'm wondering what changes would I see if I'm no longer using Kent's RO right.

Thanks!


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[Fat Homer]

Although im no where near experienced enough to answer your question, im curious to hear how you feel your plants arent doing too well?

Are they not growing? Or are they growing very sparsely?

Since if i were to guess, it is as you mentioned likely you dont have enough light hitting the tank bottom, or maybe it could do with some Co2?


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[O2surplus]

I use Equilibrium and Alkaline Buffer to re-mineralize my RO/DI water. Just aim for about 4 degrees Gh & Kh as a good starting point. Then make sure your lighting and CO2 levels are adequate and remember to keep an eye on your tanks Nitrate level.

 

[LS2012]

Although im no where near experienced enough to answer your question, im curious to hear how you feel your plants arent doing too well?

Are they not growing? Or are they growing very sparsely?

Since if i were to guess, it is as you mentioned likely you dont have enough light hitting the tank bottom, or maybe it could do with some Co2?


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At first, there were more plants, water sprite, water wisteria, swords and java moss. My fish ate those quickly and pulled up others, so there's been a lot of replanting. I expected die off from the plants, but many just died. The remaining plants in the op listed above are growing sparsely or not at all. I'm attributing this (perhaps inaccurately) to my fish and not enough light in a tall tank. After the die off there was initial growth, but in the last month none at all. Its a low tech tank so no co2

Here's the thread for when I started the tank, including stock.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/f...n-My-First-Planted-Tank-Ideas-For-Improvement



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[LS2012]

I use Equilibrium and Alkaline Buffer to re-mineralize my RO/DI water. Just aim for about 4 degrees Gh & Kh as a good starting point. Then make sure your lighting and CO2 levels are adequate and remember to keep an eye on your tanks Nitrate level.

Thank you. Starting at 4 degrees and adjusting from there is a good idea. Lighting is definitely not adequate with just a Sat+ It seems like an eternal wait for the new planted lights from Finnex and Current. Have you heard about them?

I've not considered co2 with this tank and want to keep it low tech. I know this sounds childish ~ I'm afraid of harming my fish with incorrect co2 levels. Its been suggested I use liquid co2...

Nitrates are maintained around 10, with weekly 30% WC.

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Current/Ecoxotic light
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=470401

"comes with inline ramp timer with automated ramp and moonlight and remote!"

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Finnex Fugeray Planted+

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=453513



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[Fat Homer]

If they are growing sparsely it sounds like a lack of light problem, since the plants are trying to reach up to get more light...


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[LS2012]

If they are growing sparsely it sounds like a lack of light problem, since the plants are trying to reach up to get more light...


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Yes, that's what I'm thinking. And I'm sure the salt in the r/o right doesn't help.

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