I went away for 2 weeks....

[Jen]

When I left for 2 weeks, I stopped the CO2, and cut the lights in half. I really didn't know what to expect on my return. Half of me thought it would be a disaster, and the other knew it would all be fine.

the result just goes to show that the right mix of light, co2 and nutrients makes a monster difference. (ie. half light, big dose of nutrients and no co2 while I was gone)

Before and after...

 

[Fish_Mike]

Wow! That made a heck of a difference! I just loved looking through that noticing how much each plant grew lol.

Also, do you know where you got your Vallis? It looks less chunky than mine (probably spiralis, i have Americana) and how much it was?

 

[pseud]

Wow, can actually see the back of the tank now!

 

[George Farmer]

Looks great Jen.

Personally I would have left the CO2 running though. Algae cannot utilise the CO2 as well as the plants so you would have likely come back to even more growth - less algae.

That said it is still as marvellous change so well done. I'm loving that wood.

I would stick with your half lighting, get CO2 to stable 30ppm and dose ferts as necessary until your water completely clears. The clearing of the water will allow greater light penetration and growth will improve. Once your stem plants are really going well then boost your lighting, ensuring you up your fert dosing as required.

 

[Jen]

The reason I didnt leave the co2 running was because I was having problems with the check valve. I couldnt get the pressure low enough... the valve kept jamming, and then water would back up the line. Then one of two things happen. Either the pressure builds up, and the hose shoots off the tank and the gas just keeps coming out, or the water in the line would get through the check vavle and get to the tank. I couldnt risk either happening because my mom wouldnt know what to do.

Basically that's my plan with the lighting. Obviously, the light was too high for the other two levels which is why I was getting the green water. The CO2 is running again, I'll be able to get to the EI today, so things should be getting better very shortly.

 

[Jen]

Also, do you know where you got your Vallis? It looks less chunky than mine (probably spiralis, i have Americana) and how much it was?

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My Val is all from the Big Al's here in Hamilton. There are two kinds... the store labled them as giant (the skinnier stuff) and jumbo (the leaves are the diameter of a loonie). When I got the jumbo, it was 3 plants for $8, but each plant had at least 3 plants in it... they were all clumped together.

 

[Mr Miagi]

A very natural setting! And what an improvement! Well done!

 

[zig]

Very nice should look great when the water is crystal clear.

Just keep up the lack of maintainence and it should improve no end

Maybe another 2 weeks away

 

[Jen]

Maybe another 2 weeks away

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Not to worry... that will be happening. In a month I'll be on a real vacation (this time I was just house sitting). I'll be lounging on a beach in the Dominican Republic for 2 weeks.


I woke up this morning to find the the co2 pressure had dropped to 0, where I had it up around 50 when I went to bed. I'm not sure what's happening, but I think that if it keeps doing that I'll take it back to the store and have them fiddle with it.

 

[Angel Lady]

Wow what a difference those pictures are awsome..