Tom Barr has stated on a couple of occasions that fluctuating CO2
levels will contribute to algae growth. DIY CO2 is possible on a 55
gallon tank but it's not easy. You would need to run at a minimum of
four liters of mix and keep them fresh. You might head over to the
Aqua Botanic forums and read up on using the Jello recipe for DIY CO@,
it seems to give a more consistent output. And consider using wine
yeast instead of bread yeast. If you need K2SO4, and if you have a
planted tank you really do need potassium, head over to
www.litemanu.com and get some. In fact since you have a 55 gallon
tank get a couple of pounds to cut the shipping costs.


On Thu, 3 Apr 2003 08:48:10 -0500, "Bob A"
wrote:

My plants are still growing and thriving (except for rotala wallichii which
looks sick), and I still have probably 3 types of algae. I have read
numerous articles, and I understand that nutrients (light, co2, ferts) must
be balanced. I seem to get more understanding from reading replies to
questions here.

Tom Barr advised someone to get his CO2 up and stable a few days ago. I
have 2wpg in a 55g heavily planted tank. Using DIY CO2. But my CO2 level
(which I measure shortly after lights on) does vary between 10ppm and 20ppm.
My question here is, are fluctuations in CO2 an algae promoter? I was told
that I didn't have to have CO2 at all unless I wanted a "lush" tank, and I
do want one. Would adding a pinch of sodium bicarbonate to the mix
stabilize the CO2 production?

I'm also considering ordering some true SAE's from aquariumfish.net, which
some people have recommended (Leigh for one, I think). I have read that
SAE's are a must in planted tanks. I want some Amano Shrimp too. I have 8
otocinclus. If I order the SAE's I will probably get an Ancistrus too.

Using TMG, K2SO4, Kent RO Right. Was using some KNO3 but at the moment it
is not being used up. My RO water still has NO3 in it. Tom mentioned I
think it was KH2SO4, is this important, and if so where can I get some?

Any help greatly appreciated!

bob allred



Semper Fi!

Visit the forums at Aqua Botanic!
http://aquabotanicwetthumb.infopop.cc/#1

Need Nitrate or Potassium for your tank? Go to www.litemanu.com
(Just a happy customer of the above!)