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#1
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Fertilizer Question
I recently started a planted tank (25G). I added CO2.
I've been mostly lurking here and notice there's plenty of discussion on additives for the plants. So far I'm just using chelated iron. I noticed it is being used up everyday. 1) Is there ONE supplement which I can use which includes most of what the plants needs? 2) Also, I am kind of mad at myself for not researching enough on the gravel. From what I read I should have used Flourite. I'm thinking of replacing the gravel with it it, or at least mixing some in. What do you think? Thanks! |
#2
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Fertilizer Question
Frank Mamone wrote:
I recently started a planted tank (25G). I added CO2. I've been mostly lurking here and notice there's plenty of discussion on additives for the plants. So far I'm just using chelated iron. I noticed it is being used up everyday. 1) Is there ONE supplement which I can use which includes most of what the plants needs? Perhaps, perhaps not, because there are many variables including water, plant load, fish load, lighting, and substrate. Some folks report doing well with just Tropica Master Grow, which is a high-quality, high-price product from Europe. If convenience is your sole objective, start there. 2) Also, I am kind of mad at myself for not researching enough on the gravel. From what I read I should have used Flourite. I'm thinking of replacing the gravel with it it, or at least mixing some in. Flourite was the best single decision I've made in this hobby. Plenty of folks have substrate challenges, I have none. |
#3
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Fertilizer Question
1) Is there ONE supplement which I can use which includes most of what the
plants needs? Dave has already mentioned TMG (Tropica Master Grow) as a good source for trace elements. You will need a potassium supplement as well. I found potassium chloride (KCl), or muriate of potash, at Home Depot. 2) Also, I am kind of mad at myself for not researching enough on the gravel. From what I read I should have used Flourite. I'm thinking of replacing the gravel with it it, or at least mixing some in. Gravel will work fine for almost all plants. Smaller is better. I was able to get this using plain gravel (and fish mulm) http://personal.bna.bellsouth.net/j/d/jdjohn/recent.htm Here's another example from a different Dave http://www.okcomputerworks.com/aquarium.html Jody |
#4
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Fertilizer Question
Thanks Jody....It's comforting to know that people have been successful with
regula gravel. Thanks! "Jody" wrote in message .. . 1) Is there ONE supplement which I can use which includes most of what the plants needs? Dave has already mentioned TMG (Tropica Master Grow) as a good source for trace elements. You will need a potassium supplement as well. I found potassium chloride (KCl), or muriate of potash, at Home Depot. 2) Also, I am kind of mad at myself for not researching enough on the gravel. From what I read I should have used Flourite. I'm thinking of replacing the gravel with it it, or at least mixing some in. Gravel will work fine for almost all plants. Smaller is better. I was able to get this using plain gravel (and fish mulm) http://personal.bna.bellsouth.net/j/d/jdjohn/recent.htm Here's another example from a different Dave http://www.okcomputerworks.com/aquarium.html Jody |
#5
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Fertilizer Question
Light and CO2 are the most important things to start with. I see you are
adding CO2. Do you have enough light? Jody "Frank Mamone" wrote in message .. . Thanks Jody....It's comforting to know that people have been successful with regula gravel. Thanks! "Jody" wrote in message .. . 1) Is there ONE supplement which I can use which includes most of what the plants needs? Dave has already mentioned TMG (Tropica Master Grow) as a good source for trace elements. You will need a potassium supplement as well. I found potassium chloride (KCl), or muriate of potash, at Home Depot. 2) Also, I am kind of mad at myself for not researching enough on the gravel. From what I read I should have used Flourite. I'm thinking of replacing the gravel with it it, or at least mixing some in. Gravel will work fine for almost all plants. Smaller is better. I was able to get this using plain gravel (and fish mulm) http://personal.bna.bellsouth.net/j/d/jdjohn/recent.htm Here's another example from a different Dave http://www.okcomputerworks.com/aquarium.html Jody |
#6
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Fertilizer Question
I just added another strip. I think they are 20W each in a 25G tank. So I
should be OK. I just need to learn about plants. I've had an African tank for over a year now, so this is diffferent and there's a lot to learn. I ordered some TMG and will get some pottasium from the Home Depot. I have plants with the bottom leaves turning brown and one that has new leaves with brown "veins". I hope this will help. Note that this is a relatively new setup. I used and established filter/water to start up the tank. Thanks "Jody" wrote in message news Light and CO2 are the most important things to start with. I see you are adding CO2. Do you have enough light? Jody "Frank Mamone" wrote in message .. . Thanks Jody....It's comforting to know that people have been successful with regula gravel. Thanks! "Jody" wrote in message .. . 1) Is there ONE supplement which I can use which includes most of what the plants needs? Dave has already mentioned TMG (Tropica Master Grow) as a good source for trace elements. You will need a potassium supplement as well. I found potassium chloride (KCl), or muriate of potash, at Home Depot. 2) Also, I am kind of mad at myself for not researching enough on the gravel. From what I read I should have used Flourite. I'm thinking of replacing the gravel with it it, or at least mixing some in. Gravel will work fine for almost all plants. Smaller is better. I was able to get this using plain gravel (and fish mulm) http://personal.bna.bellsouth.net/j/d/jdjohn/recent.htm Here's another example from a different Dave http://www.okcomputerworks.com/aquarium.html Jody |
#7
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Fertilizer Question
1) Is there ONE supplement which I can use which includes most of what the
plants needs? Yamato green etc is one of the few simple all in fert's. But it does not add light and CO2. Plants need 3 basic things: light, CO2 and nutrients. Miss one of these or get it out of balance, generally= algae. While adding CO2 is not required, it sure helps a great deal. For fert's: KNO3 for NO3 and the extra K K2SO4 for the K KH2PO4 for the PO4. Traces for the trace cations/anions This give all the practical usage and are the main variables added. You may need to add baking soda for KH if less than 3 and if the GH is 3 or higher, your okay with that. If not you can add a mix of CaCl2(Calcium increasaer sold at pool stores sometimes) and MgSO4(Epsom salt). 2) Also, I am kind of mad at myself for not researching enough on the gravel. From what I read I should have used Flourite. I'm thinking of replacing the gravel with it it, or at least mixing some in. What do you think? Thanks! It will help a good deal. Plants will have better color, health and root systems. Certainly worth the $ IMO/IME. Regards, Tom Barr |
#8
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Fertilizer Question
what is flourite and why is it beter?thx
" wrote in message om... 1) Is there ONE supplement which I can use which includes most of what the plants needs? Yamato green etc is one of the few simple all in fert's. But it does not add light and CO2. Plants need 3 basic things: light, CO2 and nutrients. Miss one of these or get it out of balance, generally= algae. While adding CO2 is not required, it sure helps a great deal. For fert's: KNO3 for NO3 and the extra K K2SO4 for the K KH2PO4 for the PO4. Traces for the trace cations/anions This give all the practical usage and are the main variables added. You may need to add baking soda for KH if less than 3 and if the GH is 3 or higher, your okay with that. If not you can add a mix of CaCl2(Calcium increasaer sold at pool stores sometimes) and MgSO4(Epsom salt). 2) Also, I am kind of mad at myself for not researching enough on the gravel. From what I read I should have used Flourite. I'm thinking of replacing the gravel with it it, or at least mixing some in. What do you think? Thanks! It will help a good deal. Plants will have better color, health and root systems. Certainly worth the $ IMO/IME. Regards, Tom Barr |
#9
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Fertilizer Question
I just added a second strip. It's up to ~ 2WPG.
The CO2 doesn't seem to affect the PH too much. maybe .1 or .2 in the morning. I have two Aquaclear filers a 200 and a Mini in this 25G tank. I put the mini in cause it was cycled from an10G tank. I tried putting both on low to reduce surface agitation but it didn't help much. The CO2 is releasing about 10 bubbles per second. I'm using the canister which came with the Hagen Plant-Grow system. I wonder if I use a DIY soda bottle if I can increase the amount of Co2 injected. I received my TMG but have not started using yet. I want to get the proper amount of CO2 in there first so I can tell what made the difference. The plants are doing OK, but there's a couple that have brown leaves. Maybe it's normal until the plants settle in? "Jody" wrote in message news Light and CO2 are the most important things to start with. I see you are adding CO2. Do you have enough light? Jody "Frank Mamone" wrote in message .. . Thanks Jody....It's comforting to know that people have been successful with regula gravel. Thanks! "Jody" wrote in message .. . 1) Is there ONE supplement which I can use which includes most of what the plants needs? Dave has already mentioned TMG (Tropica Master Grow) as a good source for trace elements. You will need a potassium supplement as well. I found potassium chloride (KCl), or muriate of potash, at Home Depot. 2) Also, I am kind of mad at myself for not researching enough on the gravel. From what I read I should have used Flourite. I'm thinking of replacing the gravel with it it, or at least mixing some in. Gravel will work fine for almost all plants. Smaller is better. I was able to get this using plain gravel (and fish mulm) http://personal.bna.bellsouth.net/j/d/jdjohn/recent.htm Here's another example from a different Dave http://www.okcomputerworks.com/aquarium.html Jody |
#10
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Fertilizer Question
" wrote in message om... SNIP You may need to add baking soda for KH if less than 3 and if the GH is 3 or higher, your okay with that. If not you can add a mix of CaCl2(Calcium increasaer sold at pool stores sometimes) and MgSO4(Epsom salt). I think I was sleeping in the back of the class .... I have GH less than 1 coming out of the tap. I've not worried about that but with plants and now adding a DIY CO2... I guess I need to do some more reading up on planted tanks. My tap KH is 4-5 and drops rapidly to 2 in the tank. I added baking soda when I added the CO2 to decrease the pH drop. So my KH is up for the moment. Elodea started growing like a weed ;-) Bob |
#11
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Fertilizer Question
Couple of things:
1. Light: if I remember correctly, 15" tubes are 18W, and 18" tubes are 20W. If you have two 20W tubes on a 25g, that's actually not 2WG, it's 1.6. That *may* be enough if you have low-light plants. Regular cool white bulbs, or the GE plant and aquarium bulbs (both from Home Depot) are fine. Do NOT use soft or warm white bulbs - they are too yellow. 2. CO2: I'm not familiar with the Hagen system you mention. How are you injecting your CO2? 3. Okay, this is more than a 'couple'. Filter: I use an AquaClear 150 on my 20g, so I think the 200 you have will be fine on a 25g by itself. A good rule of thumb is five times your tank volume, so a 125 would be sufficient, and a 200 is plenty. Hang in there! Jody "Frank Mamone" wrote in message ... I just added a second strip. It's up to ~ 2WPG. The CO2 doesn't seem to affect the PH too much. maybe .1 or .2 in the morning. I have two Aquaclear filers a 200 and a Mini in this 25G tank. I put the mini in cause it was cycled from an10G tank. I tried putting both on low to reduce surface agitation but it didn't help much. The CO2 is releasing about 10 bubbles per second. I'm using the canister which came with the Hagen Plant-Grow system. I wonder if I use a DIY soda bottle if I can increase the amount of Co2 injected. I received my TMG but have not started using yet. I want to get the proper amount of CO2 in there first so I can tell what made the difference. The plants are doing OK, but there's a couple that have brown leaves. Maybe it's normal until the plants settle in? |
#12
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Fertilizer Question
Hi Jody ,
See below... "Jody" wrote in message ... Couple of things: 1. Light: if I remember correctly, 15" tubes are 18W, and 18" tubes are 20W. If you have two 20W tubes on a 25g, that's actually not 2WG, it's 1.6. That *may* be enough if you have low-light plants. Regular cool white bulbs, or the GE plant and aquarium bulbs (both from Home Depot) are fine. Do NOT use soft or warm white bulbs - they are too yellow. True..Which brings up the question when we say WPG are we talking water or tank size? 2. CO2: I'm not familiar with the Hagen system you mention. How are you injecting your CO2? It's exactly like a DIY except it comes with a bubble counter/ reactor and a little canister. Look he http://www.petsmart.com/fish/shoppin...ucts/product_3 3004.shtml 3. Okay, this is more than a 'couple'. Filter: I use an AquaClear 150 on my 20g, so I think the 200 you have will be fine on a 25g by itself. A good rule of thumb is five times your tank volume, so a 125 would be sufficient, and a 200 is plenty. Yup. I will remove the Mini once the tank is well established. Hang in there! Jody "Frank Mamone" wrote in message ... I just added a second strip. It's up to ~ 2WPG. The CO2 doesn't seem to affect the PH too much. maybe .1 or .2 in the morning. I have two Aquaclear filers a 200 and a Mini in this 25G tank. I put the mini in cause it was cycled from an10G tank. I tried putting both on low to reduce surface agitation but it didn't help much. The CO2 is releasing about 10 bubbles per second. I'm using the canister which came with the Hagen Plant-Grow system. I wonder if I use a DIY soda bottle if I can increase the amount of Co2 injected. I received my TMG but have not started using yet. I want to get the proper amount of CO2 in there first so I can tell what made the difference. The plants are doing OK, but there's a couple that have brown leaves. Maybe it's normal until the plants settle in? |
#13
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Fertilizer Question
gravel. From what I read I should have used Flourite. I'm thinking of
replacing the gravel with it it, or at least mixing some in. What do you think? Thanks! It will help a good deal. Plants will have better color, health and root systems. Certainly worth the $ IMO/IME. Regards, Tom Barr Mark asked: What is Flourite and why is better? See above on the better part and it's simple, no layering. It also is easy to work with, holds roots down better than other stuff I've used, makes replanting easier. SeaChem makes it. It's a simple gravel that is great for planted tanks. Rinse 3x and add to the tank. That's it. Last forever and no iron is needed etc. There are other more subtle issues that make it good as well. Regards, Tom Barr |
#14
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Fertilizer Question
"Frank Mamone" wrote in message ... True..Which brings up the question when we say WPG are we talking water or tank size? Tank size. However, for non-standard shaped tanks like hex, the rule may not apply. For example, a tank that is much taller than a standard tank may require more wattage to penetrate down far enough for the plants. WPG is a general rule, but there are exceptions. It's exactly like a DIY except it comes with a bubble counter/ reactor and a little canister. Look he http://www.petsmart.com/fish/shoppin...ucts/product_3 3004.shtml Okay, seems reasonable. 10 bubbles per second should be more than enough for a 25g assuming the bubbles are dissolving adequately. For the AquaClears you should keep the tank filled-up enough that it touches the spillway of the filter; you don't want a waterfall effect. Jody |
#15
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Fertilizer Question
Thanks Jody....I'll work on the waterfalls!
"Jody" wrote in message m... "Frank Mamone" wrote in message ... True..Which brings up the question when we say WPG are we talking water or tank size? Tank size. However, for non-standard shaped tanks like hex, the rule may not apply. For example, a tank that is much taller than a standard tank may require more wattage to penetrate down far enough for the plants. WPG is a general rule, but there are exceptions. It's exactly like a DIY except it comes with a bubble counter/ reactor and a little canister. Look he http://www.petsmart.com/fish/shoppin...ucts/product_3 3004.shtml Okay, seems reasonable. 10 bubbles per second should be more than enough for a 25g assuming the bubbles are dissolving adequately. For the AquaClears you should keep the tank filled-up enough that it touches the spillway of the filter; you don't want a waterfall effect. Jody |
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