ir0n_ma1den

Hurray! I just got my plants in from aquabotanics and they are awesome! I ordered Rotala indica, Didiplis diandra, HC, Rotala macrandra, Cyperus helferi, Ludwigia glandulosa, and Blyxa japonica. Every thing came in superb condition, except for the Rotala macrandra, but I understand that it is a VERY delicate plant so no worries, I think it should start to heal soon. Well, since this is a journal, I have to list the equipment, so here it goes:

Lighting: Coralife 1x65w
Filter: Rena XP 1
Heater: Marineland Stealth 150w and maybe another 50w that I have lying around depending on the temperature stability.
CO2: 5lb cylinder w/ Azoo regulator
thermometer: coralife digital
substrate: Eco-complete

Ferts: I haven't made up a dosing schedule, because I really don't know how much of Plantex CSM+B, KNO3 and Mono Potassium Phosphate ( I forget the chemical form of this) I should dose. I have a cool digital gram scaler that I can use also. Can anybody suggest a dosing plan for the plants I have above?

Its late and there are bubbles everywhere so I will get pictures to you tomorrow.

Also, I haven't started dosing ferts or CO2 (need to get the cylinder filled), but will my plants be okay?

thanks

Edit: I also forgot to tell you that I only have 2 bags of eco-complete in there right now as the third bag is sitting in my ten gallon tank, so I need to wash it .

longhornxtreme

Sounds like you've made a good start!

As far as fertilizing goes, you probably want to look into EI or PPS-Pro. There's LOTS of good information in the advanced substrate forum here on APC.

I also only have 2 bags of eco in my 29G and I can grow crypts that reach almost to the water line with the substrate that depth.

I would rush to get your co2 filled and up and running along with figuring out an appropriate fertilizing regime so you don't encourage massive algal problems or kill your plants

ir0n_ma1den

Everything seems to be going good, except my temperature, its at 71.8F. Is this okay for plants and fish?

Anyways, here are the pictures:

right side


left side


FTS


HC


Cyprus Helferi


I have a question about planting my Cyprus Helferi. When I received it, it was potted in some type of water retaining fiber. I just stuck in in there like that without taking off the fiber. Is that okay, or should I take off the fiber?

thanks

longhornxtreme

I don't have any experience with CH, although I'd probably take off the fiber... maybe someone more knowledgeable out there will chime in.

As far as temperature goes, I like to run my tanks at 75ish depending on fish.

Hope that helps.

helgymatt

Sounds like your off to a good start here! Its crazy to me you have that much pearling already with no CO2 and ferts!!???

ir0n_ma1den

Haha, thanks.

I don't know where you see pearling, are you talking about on the walls of the tanks? Those are just air bubbles.

I was told on the Planted Tank Forum to take out as much of the fiber as possible, which I did.

helgymatt

Oh I got ya...you must have just filled that tank before the photo.

ir0n_ma1den

I have a question about my lighting time, from 2pm to 10pm, or 8 hours. Is 8 hours sufficient lighting for the plants in my aquarium (ex. HC, macrandra, etc). I only have 65w over this tank so I don't know if I need to bump it up to 10 hours or not.

ir0n_ma1den

Hurray! I set up my CO2!





like everyone else said, the bubble counter that came with the Fosters and Smith CO2 package is crap (its leaking):


I'll be switching that out as soon as I get materials to build one.

tomorrow I'll be dosing ferts.

ir0n_ma1den

what are these thing coming out of my Cyprus?







are they plantlets?