F8 Planted Tank

[voo]

I've added some plants to my figure-8 tank to try stop/slow down the algae.

Is it safe to add fertilizer to the water, or to add a nutrient-rich substrate to help the plants grow? I've read puffers are sensitive to nitrates so does this mean the fertilizers can't be used?



Thanks

 

[PaulasPets]

won't the fertilizer make your algae grow faster as well?

 

[voo]

If the ferts were safe to add then i would add CO2 (which i assume is ok in brackish water?), and the ferts would help in making the plants grow better, giving me a better chance at stopped algae.

 

[jgray152]

I would try to remove as much alergy as possible and let the plants grow with the nutrients that are already in the tank.

 

[SLC Flyfishing]

don't dose ferts unless you've got a heavily planted tank! Then put a co2 injection system in, there are many good ones out there but the best commercially/financially available one I've used yet is the red sea one. It cost me $37 american and came with a wonderfull powerhead that I would have paid that much alone for. Also lights make a big difference on algae growth as well, try and go for about 2 watts per gallon and nothing more or you will have problems. Try PMing AMS for info on what plants work best in brakish waters, AMS has the most info regarding plant selection.

Good luck

SLC

 

[AMS]

Just about any liquid fert is OK to use in a low-end brackish tank, as is injecting c02. The only real problem that you run into is substrate leaching stuff into the water, so it's best to use a marine mud or some similar product. Are you going to run a low-light setup or high tech?

 

[voo]

It's not going to be a high tec fully planted etc, but the light is quite powerful for the tank, so i'm thinking i might have to do something to stop the algae.

I could make a diy CO2 for the tank, just have to think up the diffuser. Also, he likes his bubble wall so CO2 wont be as effective.

 

[AMS]

It's not going to be a high tec fully planted etc, but the light is quite powerful for the tank, so i'm thinking i might have to do something to stop the algae.

I could make a diy CO2 for the tank, just have to think up the diffuser. Also, he likes his bubble wall so CO2 wont be as effective.

A bubble wall won't make c02 less effective. Bubble walls (unless they have thick large bubbles) and airstone do little to create surface agitation or oxygen exchange, you'll be fine. One thing I would worry about is salt creep with a bubble wall. Unless you like cleaning salt off nearby objects/furniture I would dump the bubble wall.

 

[MoMa]

One thing I would worry about is salt creep with a bubble wall. Unless you like cleaning salt off nearby objects/furniture I would dump the bubble wall.

this is one week after installing bubbler. can't wait 'til it starts getting on my beautiful wood furniture...

 

[voo]

Crumbs mine isnt that bad. The tank i'm using has braces and the bubble wall is underneath that, so when the bubbles reach the surface they come underneath it, so hopefully most of the salt will gather on the braces. I've also put a condensation tray across the 2 braces and the hood covers all the tank.

The only problem i have is the condensation running down the front of the tank, which leaves a salt stain. I keep cleaning it but it keeps coming. If i drilled some holes in the lid for the condensation to escape is that going to form salty deposits on the cabinet above it?