Mako Man's Planted Tank

[Mako Man111]

Alright, here's my planted 20 gallon tank.

I've got one 65 watt 6700k fluorescent light making 3.25wpg.

I have one nutrafin co2 system. (have some questions about this later)

I also added Seachem root tabs due to me having no special substrate.

Finally, I add Seachem Flourish once a week after water changes.

My current inhabitants are 6 zebra danios, 1 male betta, and 2 ottos.


Now I have a question or two about the co2. Can I do without it? I would just stick with my root tab additions every three months and weekly ferts but I really would like to not mess with the co2. Would that cause an algae breakout?


My tanks not looking its greatest rigth now, I just did some major pruning, but here it is.

 

[netcode]

looks real nice, java ferns look healthy and reproducing. good work

as for co2, your gonna need it. if you don't have the co2 then your going to run into huge algae issues. if you don't want to spend the money on a pressurized there are many stable and well running DIY co2 systems.

 

[Mako Man111]

looks real nice, java ferns look healthy and reproducing. good work

as for co2, your gonna need it. if you don't have the co2 then your going to run into huge algae issues. if you don't want to spend the money on a pressurized there are many stable and well running DIY co2 systems.

Yeah I already have a nutrafin co2 system, but how can I test how much co2 is in my water? Through the ph?

 

[George Farmer]

To test CO2 you need a pH and KH kit. Cross refer these to a table i.e. http/www.tropica.dk/catalog/images/artic...ik/co2table.gif

I would definitely stick with the CO2. With your lighting levels it is essential. Are you aware that the Nutrafin Activator and Stabiliser sachets are simply dried yeast and bi-carb that can be bought much cheaper from your local grocery store?

 

[netcode]

This is taken from George Farmers pinned article regarding CO2.

Measuring CO2 levels is straightforward using accurate pH and KH test kits and reading off the result on a pH / KH / CO2 table. There are many available on the Internet (see my signature). Note that you cannot alter your CO2 levels by simply changing other water parameters. I have known people to use pH buffers with the belief that the lower pH will increase CO2 levels. This seems to make sense if you look at a CO2 table but pH buffers replace KH therefore rendering the reading as useless. pH and KH are intrinsically linked � it is this fundamental law that allows us to measure CO2.

just looking quickly through some links, i have found a site that has a few tables on it here

i am sure there are other charts on the web.. just do a quick google search.

Also something that you should take a look at is nicklfire's thread that has a large list of links which offer extensive information regarding co2 systems.

anyways hope this helps


edit: oh boo looks like farmer got there before me

 

[Mako Man111]

Is it really necessary to monitor the co2 level, or if I just count how many bubles come out per second will that give me a good idea?

 

[netcode]

Is it really necessary to monitor the co2 level, or if I just count how many bubles come out per second will that give me a good idea?

once you find out what your co2 levels are and the bubble rate you will be fine to just go by bubbles. but at the start your going to need to monitor your levels for a bit.

 

[Themuleous]

Is it really necessary to monitor the co2 level, or if I just count how many bubles come out per second will that give me a good idea?

That's kinda the same thing! But as netcode says after a while you learn when bubble rate gives your tank the right CO2 level.

I generally check the bubble rate on my two planted tanks daily, so long as that is ok, then the CO2 should be fine and it saves the hassle of testing the KH and pH each time.

Sam

EDIT - nice looking tank BTW