How much light for non-CO2 10G?

[carb850]

The tank is about 4 months old. It has been from a mid light DIY CO2 to a high light DIY CO2 with EI dosing and back again. I have been fighting different algae issues at every step. I'm now seeking a more simplified setup and like to do away with the DIY CO2. (I think the inconsistance of this setup has contributed to my algae).

1) How many watts should I run over a 10G?

2) How often should I do water changes and how large of a change?

3) Should I add any ferts? I have plenty of the Greg Watson dry ferts from the EI dosing including the Plantex.

4) Currently I have Asian Ambulia, Hygrophila Rosanervig, Star Grass, Baby Tears, and some Crypt that I recently picked up. Will these all do okay in a low light low tech setup?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[VaughnH]

If you don't use CO2 don't do regular big water changes. Those introduce CO2 and cause varying CO2 concentration in the water which makes algae problems worse. For light, I would try for more than 20 watts and less than 40 watts. A ten gallon tank doesn't work by the 2 watts per gallon rule - it needs more watts to achieve the same light intensity. Fertilizing will still help, but at a much reduced rate of dosing - maybe once a week with less than half of what the EI recommended dose is.