Some planting questions

[evercl92]

how often do I dose and how much?

Me personally, for my 125gal:

1/4 tsp CSM+B Weds and Sundays
1/2 tsp K2SO4 Weds and Sundays
KNO3 dosed as needed, to maintain nitrate level of 20-40 ppm.
KH2PO4 dosed as needed, to maintain phos level of 2.5 - 5 ppm

For the KNO3 and KH2PO4, I use chuck's aquarium calculator to determine how much I need. I test for each, then use the calc to find out how much (in tsp) that I need to add.

Linky

I run my CO2 at 2bubbles/second. CO2 is controlled by a solenoid, that comes on when my first set of lights (130wt) come on. About 30 mins later, the 2nd set of lights (260wt) come on. The 2nd set turns off about 30-45 mins before the 1st set, simulating sunrise/sunset (the best I can, I guess). The first set is on about 11 1/2 hrs / day. I also run very little filtration. I have a powerhead at one side (also serves to break up, and throw CO2 bubbles across the tank) and a simple HOB filter on the other. I use only a single piece of nylon fiber to catch debris, no carbon, no biomedia.

 

[WyldFya]

I fert my tank with the
CSM+B 3 times a week T, Th, Sa at 1/2 tsp.
KNO3 1 1/2 tsp M, W, F
KH2PO4 1/16 tsp M

 

[evercl92]

I fert my tank with the
CSM+B 3 times a week T, Th, Sa at 1/2 tsp.
KNO3 1 1/2 tsp M, W, F
KH2PO4 1/16 tsp M

WildFya, you use the EI method, correct?

To help clear things up for skillzdatkillz, the EI method involves dosing ferts at the same amount on the same days, and then doing a 50% or more PWC at the week of each week. Thus you don't need to be as precise. I have a semi-walstad (look up Diana Walstad, an planted aquarium author) approach on my tank. Her views are more 'natural' setting, no CO2 injection, no ferts, no filters (just powerheads to circulate water). All she does is feed the fish, and her plants do fine. Now, I don't believe she gets outstanding growth with this method (seeing as how carbon is the limiting factor, at 3ppm dissolved in water) but the plants do fine. She also does a water change 1-2 times per year, adding water to replace evaporated water though. I do a PWC every 2-3 months, trying to leave it as a more natural setting, while adding ferts and CO2. I also have a relatively light bioload for my tank, thus ammonia, nitrate, nitrite are not produced as much, and supplemental ferts are necessary.

I've seen great looking tanks done both ways, as well as a mixture of both ways, so it's really up to you.

 

[WyldFya]

Yup, I do the EI method, but I dose CSM+B on opposite days from the rest.

 

[skillzdatkillz]

So ive decided to get the coralife 96w fixture because like everyone said 7.6wpg is overkill. It comes with a 34in 6700k bulb. Should i get a differerent bulb? Will 10000k be better?

Heres a link for the fixture http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=9871&N=2004+113345

 

[evercl92]

6700 should be fine, that's what I have for 6 of my 8 bulbs, the other 2 are actinic (which don't help plants, but bring out great colors for the plants and fish).