The LFS (The Fish Store & More in Atlanta) said with this new light, I
should start by having only 8 hours of light per day and gradually
increasing it to no more than 12.

I see no point in doing this. Your lights are bright, but not *that* bright.

Again, the LFS said CO2 injection is not *really* required and all it
is said to be just because of high lighting levels.

CO2 *is* required with high light levels. Otherwise, you will constantly be
battling algae, and there will be undesirable daily pH swings. See my posts in
the "75 or 90 for planted?" thread.

Several of the
guys there said they have never used CO2 with high light levels and
have always had great results.

I'd be curious to see what they consider high light. In general, CO2 is not
necessary with less than 3 wpg (though it can help). Over 3 wpg, though, and
CO2 is required, not optional.

Concerning the PH, again the LFS said the Angels and Loaches would
enjoy the 6.5 more than 7.5.

I would not adjust the pH just for plants or fish. The vast majority of them
will be fine with any reasonable pH. As long as you're not trying to breed
cardinal tetras or something, leave the pH alone.

The way I
am doing this is by using SeaChem's Neutral Regulator with the Discus
Buffer. These do contain phospate buffers. Is this really a bad
thing?

It will be, without CO2. If you want to lower your pH, adding CO2 is a much
better, and easier, way.


Leigh

http://www.fortunecity.com/lavender/halloween/881/