EI Dosing Question

[PaulB]

I have a dosing question re my tank.
It is a
3'x14"x18" (LxWxH)
Lighting: 1x AH 96w 6700K CF & reflector and 1x 30w 6000K fluro tube
Laterite substrate with 3" layer of LFS 1/8" gravel
Water Parameters:
Ph 6.8
Kh 5.5 dgh
Gh 7.0 dgh
Phos .5 - .75 ppm
Nitrate 10ppm

50% water change once a week
I dose with sechem flourish Phosphorus, Potassium and Nitrogen 4x week 10mls each and flourish 10mls 3x week.
Riccia tied to rock on bottom of tank pearls from about 3 hrs after lights on.
Little or no algae of any type in tank, but plant growth seems very slow. Although all plants show good pearling during lighting period. Lights are on a timer on for 12hrs. Co2 is via DIY yeast system.

Am i dosing sufficient trace elements (ie flourish 10ml 3x week) ?
or is it possibly a mineral deficiency problem. I have been following the EI method for about 7 weeks now.
Also what is the best of the following test kits for phosphate - sechem, dupla, aquarium pharmacuticals or red seas?

Any ideas where my problem/s maybe.

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: EI Dosing Question

CO2.

DIY CO2 and slow growth point to that.
I'd make very sure that the CO2 is good and consistent all day and all week long. Up the NO3, PO4 and K+ by about 2x.

KNO3, KH2PO4 are much cheaper from www.gregwatson.com also.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[PaulB]

Re: EI Dosing Question

Hi Tom, Have changed to a pressurised CO2 system PH 6.8 (tested in middle of lighting period) Kh 6.0 which equates to approx 29ppm CO2. Is this high enough or should i raise the kh and bubble rate? If so how high do i go?

Also looking around for source of dry fertilizers. Have tried hydroponics shops, but not having much luck (here in Australia), wil try fertilizer suppliers.

 

[Laith]

Re: EI Dosing Question

Greg ships to Europe. Maybe to Australia too? send him an email...

 

[PaulB]

Re: EI Dosing Question

Have checked with Greg, and yes he ships to Australia. I will try local fertilizer supplies first. What i cannot get locally i will order from Greg.

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: EI Dosing Question

When you get them:
Add 1/4 teaspoon 3x a week of KNO3, at the same time add 1/16" KH2PO4.
On off day add 7 mls of traces.

50% weekly water change.
CO2 sounds good, ..........for now keep an eye on it
Regards,
Tom Barr