Holes in my swords...

[creighton]

I'm running a 120 gallon with only 2 X 96watts of 6700K PC AH supply lights with individual reflectors. CO2 injection via an old "power reactor" using a Rio 100 powerhead upside down to dissolve the bubbles.

I'm adding 15ppm N, 15ppm K , and 1ppm PO4, .5ppm Fe using CSM+B 3Xweeekly
I'm only adding ~10ppm of MgSO4 once a week.

I just did GH and KH tests with my crappy test it:

GH = 8
KH = 4

I just started adding Excel to get rid of some algae I have, but I don't understand why I have holes in my swords. The older leaves have them but the leaves that are just coming in are fine. Does a K deficiency affect the older leaves first? Another thing the snails in my tank are completely white? Is this due to a Ca deficiency in the water?

I've just added 15ppm more K tonight thinking that is the cause. Would it also be wise to add some GH booster (which I don't have ).

Should I increase my nutrient levels to full EI? I know it won't hurt, but I want to understand the problem a little better.

Thanks,
Creighton

 

[Tom Barr]

A rio 100 is not much.

I'd suggest a min of about 300-400 GPH for a tank this size for good CO2.
When you add Excel, it might have added to the Carbon, thus increased growth.

When this happens with some species, they eat their old leaves and make new ones fast.

You had some algae issues(hence excel), so the CO2 is a likely suspect, namely poor flow.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[creighton]

Okay. That makes sense.

What would be the best option for CO2? I like the idea of having a needle wheel pump that you posted a link to earlier, but I'd have to have the pump run out of the water. Or could I just use a nice powerhead with a needle wheel impeller to chop up the bubbles, but not many powerheads are big enough for a 120 and T-Valves on CO2 have been un-reliable for me in past experiences. I don't have much money to spend though.

What do you think would be the cheapest and best option?

Thanks,
Creighton

 

[nickmcmechan]

i have similar issues with my swords, they were bought about 1-2 months ago, is this the case for me - do you think they are eating themselves to generate new leaves?

if so, how long does this process take?