Hey all,
I have been recovering from a recent outbreak of poor growth and brown diatoms. I think due to some ambient light, insufficient PAR reaching the plants, and a bit of neglect to be honest...
So, over the last several weeks I have been using various tools in my toolkit and have done the following:
1). 50-75% water changes every 2-3 days over the last 10 days so far.
2). Double my normal EI dose right after water change. Traces 4-6 hours later.
3). Cut down on ambient light.
4). Increased PAR to plants showing poor growth. Increased from low-mid 30s to low-mid 50s...this was more for the stauro 49 than any java which was happy at 30 and less
5). Trimmed, trimmed, trimmed, and trimmed again to remove as much damaged or algae covered leaves as possible.
6). Gave the anubias and cyperus helferi excel baths to help remove the brown diatoms. this worked rather well.
The last week has shown a vast improvement in growth rate, size, health, etc and no new algae. The wendti appears to be changing to a submersed leaf form that is very much darker and narrower/more ruffled than before. I like it though. This is almost complete just need it to fill out again.
While trimming the wendti earlier I made the following changes...
1). Moved the cyperus helferi from the left side to the right behind the wood and among the rocks. I like it better here.
2). Moved a bit of trident and narrow java to the skull where the cyperus was.
3). Removed the bolbitus as it was not doing that well.
4). Covered the right locline with riccia and hydrocotyle like the other side. Added some trident as well to brighten it up.
5). Moved some of the trident from the right wood to #2 and 4..
This has opened up the scape a bit more and highlighted the wood more I think/hope...
The stauro and other plants are showing good signs of acceleration in terms of growth and I think they will really take off now.
I intend to continue this higher level of effort/maintenance/dosing for the next 2 weeks at least and then revert back to normal and adjust from there...
I have some video and a few pics coming but I still think it looks much better in person...
Later.
Vid 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uawq89NLBfA
Vid 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKBg1lp9d1I