[dawntwister]

Can't wait to see pictures of your Oscar's my Delta Tail Betta. What a character!!

 

[dawntwister]

I see you have done what I did. You bought some plants that need more than low light. Thus you have to compensate with the use of ferts. Main ferts I have found plants need a lot of is potassium and nitrates. Your nitrates are fine. I think adding potassium sulfate would benefit your plants. Also that bushy plant in the middle looks like it could benefit with Flourish comprehensive. I'd start with aprox. 2mm wkly. You can use a baby medicine spoon to measure. Ferts can be bought at:
http://www.bestaquariumregulator.com/ferts.html for a few dollars.

I think CSM + B would be a good substitute for Flourish comprehensive. I am thinking of using it when I run out. I got the flourish com. for I mistook it for excel.

Have found that wpg rule is based on T12 bulbs. Your tank looks like it has 2.5wpg.

Info on lights:
http://www.barrreport.com/general-p...ting-bulbs-plants-2.html?highlight=wavelength

 

[dawntwister]

I might be wrong, but you may have better luck if you don't try to adjust the water chemistry. The most stress-free way to go is use what you have available (tap water) and grow what grows. Fish will adjust to water conditions as long as you keep the water clean (weekly water changes of 20 - 50%, or LOTS of plants to keep it clean, or both) .

Most plants will grow in a wide range of water conditions as well except for some finicky species.
-Dave

You must be careful adding chemicals to adjust parameters, for this can cause fluctuations that can cause fish deaths. Most of your parameters are pretty good as they are, except for the high ph Injecting Co2 will decrease the Ph, which can get down to 5, according to Hoppy. The ph is too high for the fish, anyways.

I have found that flourish excel lowers the ph and doesn't cause fluctuations as baking soda does. Also baking soda raises the ph.

 

[dawntwister]

Well, I see you went the expensive.

SeaChem Equilibrium will add potassium. Have read some have an excess of potassium when they use it.

To me the important 1s are:
1. Iron
2. Flourish
3. Excel, which I think you'll only need until you get the Co2.
4. Equilibrium, which I think you'll only need for a month.


How about some update pictures!!

 

[dawntwister]

Well, I am more interest in the layout of the plants than the fish. How about a full picture of the tank!

Just realized it hasn't been long since you posted a picture. More interested in seeing how the plants react to your fert regiment, so wait a month.

 

[dawntwister]

Here is something Homer_Simpson sent me, which I thought might interest you:
1 pound of dry fert = x liters of Seachem's ferts
1 lb of KNO3 = 3.7 L of F. Nitrogen
1 lb of K2SO4 = 4.5 L of F. Potassium
1 lb of KH2PO4 = 67.0 L of F. Phosphorus

Rex's price of 1 pound of dry ferts compared to DrsFosterSmith.com regular price of $26 for 2 liter jugs of Seachem's ferts
1 lb of KNO3 costs $2 = $48.10 of F. Nitrogen
1 lb of K2SO4 costs $2 = $58.50 of F. Potassium
1 lb of KH2PO4 costs $3 = $871.00 of F. Phosphorus

Shipping cost to US:
1-4 lbs $5.25
5-18 lbs $11

 

[dawntwister]

One thing that concerns me is that the Bio-filter/Plants are doing such a good job, that my NH3/NH4, NO2, and NO3 readings are all 0. Do I need to start dosing a nitrogen fertilizer? All of my plants are showing new growth, and I'd hate to stop it by robbing them of essential nutrients.

There is an old say, "If it works don't change it." I have been reading that most people have NO3 at 30 to keep algae under control. You have to gradually increase it or the fish will die. I have been adding it and it is helping me get the chronic BBA I have under control. So if you see algae 1st lower lights, for lights are the engine. 2nd increase circulation, 3rd add flourish excel, 4th add some NO3. This has been working for me. What works for 1 does not always work for others, though.

What about your Gh and Kh readings? Have read that lack of macronutrient in water column can lead to algae problems, for plants will strugle to consume N and P, Joe Faria Aquascapingworld. Perhaps the other nutrients are making up for the lack of NO3.

 

[dawntwister]

It looks to me like you have 2 wpg. Can you improve the reflection in the tank?

Per Hoppycalif I used metal flash, 3 x 7 plates, and painted with very white paint to improve my light.

 

[dawntwister]

I have seen some use desk lamps that would work for that size at Lowe's. I have seen some use the clip on lamps and put daylight CFL bulbs in. At the back of Lowe's, I was told, they have some for $5.
Have noticed some buy compact fluorescent light kits from: http://www.ahsupply.com/

Perhaps you build a box to house all with metal flash guard, $5. Buy extension cords and splice in the Led's.

How are the vals, thin plants in the back, doing? They look like they need more iron.

 

[dawntwister]

So what has happened with the Betta? Did you find a light? Big Al's is good place for cheap lights.