the last time i...

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danepatrick

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 3, 2006
537
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louisiana, usa
the last time i started up a planted tank, i had the worst case of green water possible and i thought i would never try a planted tank again. recently i decided to set up a smaller, 20 gallon planted tank with 1.8 wpg lighting and a cheap CO2 system. here's my dilemma: i've been using kent 'blackwater expert' which is supposedly beneficial to live plants. unfortunately, i can't take the tannins anymore. i'm debating on whether or not to stop using the blackwater expert and to start using a good fertilizer and something else to soften water (besides RO water). the problem is, is that i'm afraid if i use fertilizer, i will end up with green water again (which i DO NOT need lol). i have a large piece of driftwood in my tank which i know will add tannins (but not as much as the b.e.) and soften the water. do you guys think the driftwood is enough to soften my water, or should i go to another product that will not tan my water? also, what is your opinions on my fertilizer situation, and if you think i should use one, which?
thanks in advance.
 
Howdy,

Why do you want softer water? What species are you keeping in your tank? Many soft-water plants and fish live happily in medium-hard water.

Chances are, with driftwood in your tank, you will have colored water for a long time. Not quite as dark as blackwater, though. The effects of driftwood on water chemistry vary greatly (with age, origin, type). Therefore, no general rule of thumb can be used.

My suggestion is to stop the blackwater treatment and fertilize instead. If your water turns green change water and reduce dosage step by step. That way you will find the optimum fertilization level for your tank. It varies with plant species and density, and it might take a few tries.

Good luck,

HarleyK
 
I have a 55 planted and don't use co2 or fertilizer; instead I have it stocked with ghost shrimp, guppies and other small fishes.
I also use UV on the tank which keeps the algae away and the water crystal clear.
Maybe you are just trying to hard?:grinno:
Good Luck
 
HarleyK said:
Howdy,

Why do you want softer water? What species are you keeping in your tank? Many soft-water plants and fish live happily in medium-hard water.

Chances are, with driftwood in your tank, you will have colored water for a long time. Not quite as dark as blackwater, though. The effects of driftwood on water chemistry vary greatly (with age, origin, type). Therefore, no general rule of thumb can be used.

My suggestion is to stop the blackwater treatment and fertilize instead. If your water turns green change water and reduce dosage step by step. That way you will find the optimum fertilization level for your tank. It varies with plant species and density, and it might take a few tries.

Good luck,

HarleyK
Click to expand...

german and bolivian rams. maybe a large school of cardinals in the future. the thing is, i don't want my water turning green period. i've had it happen before and i couldn't get rid of it. it's not something i ever want to deal with again, so if there is minimal chance, then i won't take it. the driftwood is malaysian. and i've boiled it to get most of the tannins out. in my tank i have rotala indica, crypts, a misc. sword, micro sword, bolbitis, and soon to come: java fern, and anubias petite and coffeefolia. i am using a fine gravel for substrate. not fluorite or anything like that.
another question: what does it mean when the plants start to get little holes in them? i know its a lack of nutrients somewheres, but what?
 
Chuckeff said:
I think holes in plants are caused by high nitrates, or snails.
Click to expand...

nitrates are at 0 ppm and i know i have no snails. i think it's because i moved the plant and was a little harsh on the roots. does anyone else agree? do you think it will survive? :(
 
Howdy,

Holes in leaves are
  1. caused by snails (rule that out since you don't have any)
  2. caused by plecos ??? (very likely if you have one)
  3. caused by general nutrient/light deficiency

You can't do much against damage by plecos, but if it's nutrients, then you will have to try a fertilizer. Eworm had good luck with Kent Freshwater, which I am unable to find in my regional LFSs. Thus, I have no own experience.
If green water is caused by fertilization, cessation of the fertilizer and a couple of water changes will take care of it. Looks like you may have to risk that if you don't have a pleco to take the blame. You could also try to use half of the recommended dose and see if it helps w/o causing algae bloom.
Again, if it's okay now and a fertilizer causes green water, then by removing the causative agent you will inevitably return to non-green water. But of course, it's entirely your call.

HarleyK
 
i'll grow the balls and try it. i just don't want to deal with that shizz again!! :swear: btw.. i do have a clown pleco, but i've had him in there for a month now with no problems. besides, i thought they were a driftwood eating pleco?
 
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