I offer this as a data point as I too am mildly confused as to when to start dosing. Tank has been setup for a week and few days. Initial plant stocking levels I would judge to be medium, not all space is planted, about 40% of substrate area is heavily planted, 20% light and the remaining 40% open. Fish load for non-planted tank would be considered high for such a new tank. Plants are growing, crypts and swords have new growth, Val’s have sent out runners; however, some of the original leaves are melting. Stem plants are showing increased bushiness and height with the Bacopa adding an easily measurable .5 to 1” per day. Newly planted (3 days) Glosso showing signs of growth, new white shoots have appeared within 48hrs. Fish are fed heavily with mostly live foods. Cleanup crew seems fat and happy, Oto’s all have full bellies, and the majority of shrimp have molted. Green Flame Tetra’s spawned after a 20% water change.
Initial testing showed some Ammonia that quickly went away, since day 3 it has not been measurable, Nitrite showed one AM, but by PM testing was gone. Nitrate has been hanging in at less then 1 ppm. Phosphate and Iron read 0. Substrate 80% Eco-Complete, 20% Tahitian Black Sand. pH has held steady at 6.9 with CO2 running 24/7, KH 2, GH 6.
The only algae I have seen to this point is Green Spot on the glass. All the spots seems to be in an area approx. in the middle 3rd of the front and sides. 4.1 wpg 5.5k MH source 11hrs per day with a few hours of diffused natural light in the AM.
Some caveats; UV is on 24/7 with a slow flow, tank has built in overflows and turbulent sump. Open top tank.
I figure I will start to dose at the next water change (two weeks from start) bringing the new water up to established norms. Testing daily while noting visually positive and/or negative effects until I reach a balance and become comfortable with dosing by observation.
Comments?
