New setup. Please give advice.

[ewurm]

? seriously ?

it's just that I've always kept loaches in my planted tanks - - clowns, yo-yos, zebras, etc. - - and never had a problem keeping them with swords . . .

is this something you've actually seen them do?

Yes, they chew on the leaves. I don't know if they eat them, but they definitely chew on them. Keep in mind there are a lot of loaches in this tank.

 

[ewurm]

You should probably start with that then, dose every other day, and when you run out get some plantex CSM+B

Half a pound will last like 2 years and costs $10

Bottle says once a week. Should I really add that much?

 

[mgamer20o0]

it wont hurt. most of the trace you buy is just liquid anyways. once you run out like they said get the dry stuff way cheaper super easy. i just make my own at a fraction of the price.

 

[ewurm]

it wont hurt. most of the trace you buy is just liquid anyways. once you run out like they said get the dry stuff way cheaper super easy. i just make my own at a fraction of the price.

I'll get the plantex stuff.

 

[mgamer20o0]

lazy lol

 

[ewurm]

I got the Plantex, and one thing that I noticed is Potassium isn't on the list of ingredients. Do you dose Potassium separately?

 

[FSM]

yes, it is just micro nutrients. Most people with high light tanks also dose potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorous (macronutrients)

Where did you get it from?

Estimative index: basically dose every other day and do a 50% WC each week to avoid nutrient build up

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/fertilizing/15225-estimative-index-dosing-guide.html

 

[ewurm]

yes, it is just micro nutrients. Most people with high light tanks also dose potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorous (macronutrients)

Where did you get it from?

Estimative index: basically dose every other day and do a 50% WC each week to avoid nutrient build up

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/fertilizing/15225-estimative-index-dosing-guide.html

I usually do 75%, I have a lot of fish.

 

[FSM]

Do you know what your nitrate is generally at?

 

[ewurm]

Starts at about 5 after water change, increases to 25 by the end of the week. I ordered some Potassium.