Going For Planted Tank

[Zikofski]

Yep I agrea will probably venture into co2 when I get my own place at moment tank is at gd and her mum is already oissed with the size of the thing haha XD lol

 

[Bri]

Ok i may be in a wee bit over my head. I have no idea what the EI low light set up stuff is? I tried to look it up but no luck. I am going to go with a pre mixed liquid as i think it is easiest. alot of websites recommended seachems, I looked at it and it has all i need but im not sure if itll last as long as yours which if it lasts even close to a year is great value. Would you mind terribly (and i know its a bit much) posting me the link to the one you bought? pleeeeeease..

Im looking at this one.
My link

It is an ok price and comes recommended. Bought some plants today, not too many so i want to grab the fertilizer as soon as possible. thanks again for your help.

 

[minnnt]

EI is Estimative Index.

Here you go Bri...

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/104737-jamescs-estimative-index-article/

 

[Zikofski]

No problem and not sure if they post to the states or else where they are uk based but here is the link they do, do a high version i presuming for higher light setups with co2 could be wrong tho

 

[minnnt]

You are correct matey

 

[Zikofski]

woo I'm learning

 

[minnnt]

Any new pics yet?

 

[Zikofski]

yep i posted shed loads on my journal hope u can see them all there is allot will get pics this weekend of it non cloudy

 

[minnnt]

Ahh... will check them out!

 

[Zikofski]

Ahh... will check them out!

kl

 

[Fishball7]

I don't miss your point at all fishball.

I have 3 different planted tanks, all of them with various wpg as a guideline. Non of them have carbon being added either pressurized or liquid. ALL of them are dosed with fertiliser, ALL of them grow healthy and lush, ALL have NO algae what so ever.

So, from my experience, carbon wouldn't make any difference to my tanks other than to induce much quicker growth. Something that I am not really looking for. I am happy with steady plant growth that is healthy and vibrant.

Less to go wrong
Less to worry about
Less equipment in my tank
Less maintenance of plants ( )

Nothing against co2, the members on here who do use it have amazing tanks with amazing results, my moss carpet is probably a month behind ianho's, so there is an obvious difference, but I'm in no rush I have all my life for it to grow in.

The op asked what was needed for a planted tank. He didn't seem fussed about co2, something we have been speaking about in several threads. Dosing a fertiliser would be a good idea. Adding extra nutrients is better than having no nutrients being added other than fish waste.

Good for you with all your tanks. As I said initially, to each their own. The OP was looking for suggestions and I'm glad we both provided contrasting perspectives. My point was that for a non-CO2 tank, undetermined light amount, the plants that would do well/grow in that situation would be very easy going. Such low growth suggests a very slow uptake of nutrients, which therefore means I wouldn't need to dose anyway. I'm not saying one can't dose, but theoretically there should be no need to in this situation. Furthermore, to do something of non-CO2 indicates the owner would like something very low maintenance or very cheap, which combined with the first reason means no need for dose. Lastly, given the total inexperience of the OP, nutrients at such little dosage with less control can easily lead to an outbreak of algae since the plants would intake very little and leave more excess out. A slower approach, no CO2, low light and no nutrients, can also help to eliminate the many causes of algae for a beginner. At any point thereafter, the OP can, of course, add in CO2, nutrients or higher light to play with their tank.

DIY CO2 costs probably less than $5 that lasts 4-6 weeks. Really not expensive at all. It's pressurised CO2 that is expensive.

 

[minnnt]

Have you read anything I have wrote?

 

[ian]

Adding nutrients, including N and P doesn't cause algae...light and ammonia causes algae. There is no harm in dosing these in low light settings, just remember to keep up your water changes, and general tank husbandry.

 

[Fishball7]

Lol. Many tanks work in many ways; there doesn't yet seem to have a one-pill-cure-all. What I offered was my perspective and explanation for the OP to consider, in contrast to yours. I don't think you understood what I wrote. I wasn't saying you were wrong since it obviously works for you.

Some people found when they reduced nutrients, particular ones or otherwise, all else equal, helped reduced their algae. It may not necessarily directly cause algae, but it can be part of the equation. Again, different tanks have different ways of handling.

I am done hijacking the thread, sorry about that.

 

[minnnt]

Which nutrients do you mean?

So you think adding co2 and then having ferts as an after thought or even not at all would work?

Plants cannot absorb co2 properly without a complete fertiliser being added...