[henkt]

Hi

New here, but what awesome info for anyone starting a planted tank !

Question:
I have a well planted 4WPG tank of 55G, with a similar sized sump, also 55G. If I deduct volume taken up by features, substrate, sump contents (bio-balls, etc.), I am probably left with about 90G total water volume. Do I dose ferts for a 55G tank, or do I dose for the 90G total water volume ?

Thanx in advance !
Henkt

 

[Laith]

Welcome to APC!

I'd dose for the 90G total water volume.

 

[eklikewhoa]

I would dose for the 90g too

 

[gregwatson]

Hi

New here, but what awesome info for anyone starting a planted tank !

Question:
I have a well planted 4WPG tank of 55G, with a similar sized sump, also 55G. If I deduct volume taken up by features, substrate, sump contents (bio-balls, etc.), I am probably left with about 90G total water volume. Do I dose ferts for a 55G tank, or do I dose for the 90G total water volume ?

Thanx in advance !
Henkt

I'm not disagreeing with either of the two prior posters - especially Laith ...

But I would argue that is it more of a "it depends" kind of answer ... the nutrient uptake rate is going to be more based on the 55 gallon size which can vary significantly depending upon the density of plantings, types of plants, and a wide variety of other factors ...

In the end, your actual practices are going to end up essentially at the dose for 90 gallon answer because if you are dosing based on target nutrient ranges by using the PPS system, you are going to be dosing more based on the 90 gallon answer ... if you are dosing based on an EI style system, you are going to be dosing more based on the 50% water change - which if that means a 45 gallon water change, then you are going to be dosing based on that same 90 gallon answer ...

So I will argue that the 90 gallon answer is "close enough" <grin> ... but your actual practices may create or introduce some variability to that answer, thus it "depends" <grin> ...

Greg

 

[henkt]

Hi Greg

First of all, thanks for the prompt shipment of my ferts order to South Africa - only 12 days to get to me, this is a new record for my local Post Office ! Thanks also for the complimentary dosing bottle, much appreciated.

Because I have fish in my planted tanks, I prefer to follow the EI principles and do a weekly 50% water change (which is quite easy in my case, since I just stop all the pumps and drain the sump, which is the same size as the tank).

I have gradually upped my dosing over the past week to levels for 90G and the plants have reacted well with no signs of stress in the fish. I'll run like this for now - untill I get tired of trimming buckets full of plant pieces every week....

Thanks, everyone, I am starting a complete rebuild of my two tanks in the next week and hope to post a photo journal of progress once this is done.

Peace,
Henkt