In need of some advic please!!

[chris81]

Hi guys,

I am currently running a dry start method and have encounetred a few queries. I would like to ask your opinion and seeks some help on the following issues:

1. Lighting: Currentky i am using 4 x 39 watt lights on for 10 hrs a day. As co2 is not limited in the emerse form.. However befroe flooding the tank should i decrease the wattage for a period of time and that re increase it when i flood the aquarium or should i just leave verything as is??

2. Fertilisation: the substrate used was a mixture of the following; Aquatic nature fertisoil, aquatic nature fertiplant and flourish black. ALthough these are quite rich in micro nutrients they are not so high on NPK. In view of this, what should the initial fertilisation regimen be?? SHould i dose immediatly E.I or is it best to dose just K during the initial phase and that subseuently revert to E.I.. IS there any pre set rule as to how one should dose just after flooding?

3. CO2: C)2 will be via pessurised system. and adjusted accordingly using indicator. But is there and ideal place where co2 diffusers should be placed to ensure maximum co2 distribution.

4. |Problem with grren looking algae on surface of subsrate: I have recently noticed that some green algae is forming on patches of substrate. I am currently removing the affected substrate boiling it and placing it again in place. Is algae forming because of too high light intensity or because water in substrate has disturbed underlying fertilser. If the latter.. does that mean i ll most probably have algal blloms once the tank is flooded. If so can i do any amendments.

5. Tap water temperature: Here in Malta at the moment water temperature from tap is about 15 -16 degrees will this cause a shock to the plants?? Should i pre heat water to 22 degrees before flooding or isnt this necessary.

Sorry for unloading all these problems but u guys are great problem solvers and i so much need ur advice!!!

Thanks a million for you time and patience.

Chris

 

[Gerryd]

Hi Chris,

I am no DSM expert as I have yet to do it myself, but I will answer as I can.

1. This is a good amount of light. IMO it would be good to lower the light gradually PRIOR to flooding. This is simply because I am unsure if you can supply unlimited C02 from the get go. Lesser light will reduce the c02 demand.

Maybe one less bulb but still ensure a good spread???

However, plants do take time (2-3 weeks) to adjust to a new c02 level.

2. I would go EI from day one of flooding. There is no reason not to IMO (again) and NOT doing so may cause a limiting issue.

3. Ensure you have good flow in the tank. Try having the mist go into a powerhead of some type. You may want to point it down and outward so as to stay in the water longer.

4. I think this is the higher light myself. You may see this go as the lights are lowered.

5. I tend to just use the cold tap on my water changes. No issue so far.

What size tank do you have? Please elaborate on filtration, powerheads, c02 setup, etc. Are you going to use a drop checker at all?

What kind of fish and plants?

The more information the easier to help...

Hope this helps..

 

[chris81]

My aquarium measures 90cm by 40cm x40cm and holds approximately 170 Liters.

FIltration will be as follows: 2 external cannister filters. 1 cannister filter with 800 L/hr housing biological filtration and another with 1000L/hr with floss and charcoal. Combined turnover rate is ten times tank volume so as to ensure adequate nutrient and co2 distribution. Inflows of filters will be situated in back corners of the tank while the lilly pipes from the filters outflow will be facing each other on the sides of the tank. I am planning to put 2 co2 diffusers below each of the lilly pipes so as to force the co2 bubbles down on the plants. is this a good rational??

Co2 will be via a 8kg co2 tank. the co2 will be diffused through 2 co2 diffusers and a co2 atomiser attached to one of the filter's outflow so as to ensure that proper co2 levels will be guaranteed. A drop checker will be used to test co2 levels.

The plants in this setup are the following: Glosso, ELocharis, Pogostemon and Lilaenopsis.

Im not sure about fish yet but i think i ll opt for either a shoal of long finned zebra danios or Celestail danios.

Hope this gives a better description of the setup.

Thanks.

Chris