I'm surprised no one has asked what fertilizers you're using (and are you using a fertilized substrate?).
Having trouble with my tank...
- Thread starter Jkessler623
- Start date
You simply have waaay too much light. I was using that much light with pressurized co2 and a full fert routine. You have two options:
1. Start inject co2. Excel isn't gonna cut it.
or
2. Reduce your lighting, by 50-75%. Raise the fixture about 2ft off the tank, or get a new fixture that uses T8/T12, or PC bulbs. T5HO are too intense for non-co2 tank.
1. Start inject co2. Excel isn't gonna cut it.
or
2. Reduce your lighting, by 50-75%. Raise the fixture about 2ft off the tank, or get a new fixture that uses T8/T12, or PC bulbs. T5HO are too intense for non-co2 tank.
well getting a new light isn't an option since i just got them not too long ago. i tried taking out one of the bulbs but when i plugged it in it would turn on it would be on for about a second and turn off so im guessing that you have to have both bulbs in. Raising the light sounds like a good idea so ill try that. Could someone point me in the right direction as to a C02 setup because im not having any luck finding one.
also, here is a picture of my setup so you can see. I just put in the anubus and driftwood a couple hours ago so thats why they look so good, but im sure they will get algae and the plant will start dying.
Jkessler623;5067496; said:
Read the pressurized CO2 Sticky. As far a setups go there are 2 choices, buy a pre built regulator or build your own. If you choose to buy there is the budget choice in the $90 milwaukee setup and the better Sumo setups for about $240 or so. You can build your own similar setup for around $250 with the CO2 tank and a DIY reactor. You can get a 15 pound CO2 tank for around $70 from your local welding shop.
Then you will need to fertilize too with KH2PO4, KNO3, K2SO4 and a micro fert like flourish comprehensive or you can get a dry micro too (CSM-B). Or you can just buy plastic plants. I know people say you can get good growth and whatnot without CO2 but that has not been my experience so far. Dry Ferts help a great deal though.
ok im using flourish excel right now...i have not used fertilizer at all. do you suggest using all three or picking one?
I would personally raise your light and try root tabs first. You can have a nicely planted tank without CO2 and all that jazz, but you have to figure out what you can grow in your lighting etc. Sand is ok for plants, but usually you need some kind of ferts. Root tabs are easy and cheap and you don't have to remember to dose them but every few weeks. JMO
