Tom,

Thanks for the excellent help. Thats the best ive seen it explained.
And thanks for pointing out the tropical fish center forums, didnt
even know they were there. Ive posted some stuff in your text....


You'll need to keep the CO2 between 20-30ppm at all times when the
lights are on.

Ive just ordered a regulator and flowmeter from a welding supply shop
(£50) and am going to be getting a co2 bottle sometime in the next
week (£40). I'll try to make a good diffuser for it, ive got some
ideas that i will try out. Whats the best kind for getting co2 levels
up to 30ppm? I currently use a bell system but i figure this isnt the
best way when using a pressurised system. I have an internal power
filter with a venturi valve but might be convinced to get an external
cannister if it will prove easier. I wont be beaten by this BBA, not
at any cost!!

Check your tap water by giving them a call and ask for the NO3 and the
PO4 levels delivered.

Ive got details from the water board, NO3 is between 30 and 50ppm,
depending on time of year (fertilisers running into our rivers etc)
and PO4 is about 0.5 ppm
I take it i should dose just the k2so4 and flourish and use the water
changes to add NO3 and PO4. I currently do a 33% water change weekly,
using the water filter to bring NO3 down to about 10ppm and remove PO4
completely. Should i do away with the filter and go with the 30ppm
NO3/.5ppm PO4?

Is my lighting OK? 120 watts over 35 gallons. Thats about 3.5 wpg. I
take it that is fine. Maybe i should swap a couple of tubes for newer
ones, they are about 6 months old now. Whats the best tube to get?

Should i just be dosing Seachem Flourish or should i add some Leaf
Zone (just contains Iron and Potassium) daily (as Wayne does - i
think)

I think thats all for now, thanks again for your help.

Mark