Ei Alternative

[fish_r_great]

Is the only fert dosing alternative testing everything everday and dosing accordingly or not dosing at all?

 

[netcode]

EI is a pretty good system. From the start it sounds like a lot to do. but once you udnerstand your tank and its uptake of nutrients you eventually will not have to test that much ( only once a month or so). It is a pretty good system. If you don't want to get really picky into nutrients you could always get a good substrate that contains nutrients. These have to be replaced though after a period of time. You can also just forget about nutrients and get a few plants that don't require a lot of feeding and if u have enough fish then they will provide enough nutrients through their waste. Its really up to, but remember if you want significant growth and good health its always recommended to provide them food and extra light.

 

[Themuleous]

Yeh, EI is a system for high light tanks, it 'replaces' the old school way of doing it. But EI is definitely not for every tank. Its just a system for those who want huge amount of growth and to be able to scape their tanks.

 

[fish_r_great]

What kinds of ferts should I use? I have Eco-Complete and a little laterite as substrate.

 

[Themuleous]

A general fert like seachem flourish or tropica master grow (which is generally regarded as the best) would be fine once or twice a week in low-light tanks, especially those with a decent substrate like yours.

Sam

 

[saboy]

I have also wondered this, cause i dont think i really want to get into the proper fert routine,

all i want is to have some nice healthy planted, I dont want the specialist rare, hjard to grow plants,

 

[fish_r_great]

I have 2.75 WPG and will be doing a Nutrafin/DIY mix for Co2 I've been told to get some from Greg WAtson and do EI.

http/www.gregwatson.com/DryAquaticFertilizers.asp

 

[Themuleous]

With 2.75WPG you must get some CO2 into the tank. How big is the tank, nutrafin kits only really work for tank under 100lt/20G, over that its best to get pressurised. That said the nutrafin ones are very good.

Sam

 

[fish_r_great]

Yea sorry its a 20 gallon Long. I'm gonna do my own mix in a Nutrafin system.

How do other people with a similar tank dose ferts? and what kinds? do you know?

 

[Themuleous]

They do EI with the lighting level you have. Have you read the pinned EI article? There are other ways but these are now considered 'old school'

Sam

 

[netcode]

I have also wondered this, cause i dont think i really want to get into the proper fert routine,

all i want is to have some nice healthy planted, I dont want the specialist rare, hjard to grow plants,

throw in a nutrient rich substrate and keep your lighting at around 2wpg (medium lvl). You should be fine. co2 always helps. Its really up to you and how far you wanna go. Plants will grow with no nutrient supplement and no co2 but they won't grow to their potential. If you want less hassle though just get a good substrate and you should be fine.