I agree with Jody on the Phosphate issue. In my experience, excess phosphate
(PO4) causes my worst algae problems. Some foods, pH buffers and fertlizers
are very high in phosphates. You can get a phosphate test kit to test for
it, and there are several types of phosphate scubbers/sponges that will help
to reduce the total amount of phosphates. Algae requires more PO4 than
plants grow, so when it gets too high, you get algae instead of plant
growth. There is also a plant safe algaecide that can help slow down the
algae and give the plants a chance to get the upper hand.


"Jody" wrote in message
...
Just as quickly as it is adding O2, it is evaporating CO2. Planted tanks
almost demand a minimal surface agitation filtration to be successful.
I'm
afraid your CO2 is not getting used by the plants as much as it could.
But
you are getting pearling, so obviously some is staying dissolved. I guess
the point is: it could be better, and maybe if it was better your plants
could compete better.

Regarding nutrients, your nitrates appear reasonable, but you don't know
your phosphates. You should only be feeding once a day, and only as much
as
they can eat in five minutes. Goldfish have more mass than other fish and
so, they produce more waste. This could be producing excess phosphates.
Again, watch those feedings. You have nitrogen and phosphorous covered,
but
you are not adding any potassium (K). Your plants could be potassium
limited, which means they can't absorb the other nutrients without
potassium
present as well. Flourish has some K, but not too much. You might want
to
consider finding a supplement with more potassium. Just my two cents.

Jody

"chet" chet-at-surewestDOTnet wrote in message
...
"kush" wrote in message
...
Also, I'm not familiar with the bio-wheel power-filter. Is that a
mechanical filter that accelerates bacterial breakdown by heavily
oxygenating the water?

Yes, it is the bio-wheel power-filter. I have it set to the lowest
setting
(I like quiet). According to the literature, it is designed to provide a
high oxygen level to nitrifying bacteria that live on the wheel. It does
not
generate a lot of surface turbulance. I'll measure CO2 again this
evening
and get back to you on the numbers

My Rotala indica is one of the fastest growing plant in my tanks. At
comparable light levels, I'd expect to prune four to six inches off it
every
week. Is yours growing that fast?

It has grown some, but more like two inches in a month. Plus it's
getting
a
little "leggy". The Amazons, Onion plants, and Anacharis are the
racehorces
in my tank.

How much and how often are you changing your water?

~40%-50% every other week.

Have you added any phosphate-based products to adjust your pH?

None that I am aware of. I have added Seachem "Flourish" and Seachem
"Root
Tabs" and Hikari goldfish food.

I'll get you numbers tonight.

Thanks for your help

chet