To make a long story short, this tank has been running for 2 years. The first 6 months were great, then I lost it completely to algae
(lack of knowledge/experience), and then sort of gave up and let go of high-light, co2 method, etc.
Since about 2 months now, I am working hard at getting it back in good shape, reading/studying, cleaning, planting, water change, etc.
and I seem to be on the right track, it's getting much better.
Tank specs: 150G (72x18x27), Filter 2 x Eheim 2128 thermo, Pres. CO2 through Aquamedic 1000 reactor connected to 2128 output,
Aquaclear 70 powerhead (24 hrs), 25w UV sterilizer (night), lighting is 4 x 96w CF (6-7 hrs), 2 x 30w T12 (12 hrs), 4 x 21w T5 (10 hrs).
I have a splitter & second 1000 reactor on order, to get Co2 coming out at both ends of the tank.
Firstly, let's talk about CO2, it seems to be the number one issue.
I recently installed a drop checker, and if I did everything right (5 DKh) it looks like my pH controller and KH testing was right on the number.
This is fine however I still have some doubts... I should have over 40ppm of CO2 in my tank, my fish are doing fine, no pearling, and still a bit of algea
(green stuff on the glass, and the brownish stuff on the leaves of slow growing plants) but compared to what I had before, it's manageable...
So, should I try to push it up a little further? Or should I rather address photoperiod, or water circulation?
As I said, I have another CO2 reactor on the way, that should help, but I do realize I have a filter/circulation issue here (perhaps just add a canister filter?)
(lack of knowledge/experience), and then sort of gave up and let go of high-light, co2 method, etc.
Since about 2 months now, I am working hard at getting it back in good shape, reading/studying, cleaning, planting, water change, etc.
and I seem to be on the right track, it's getting much better.
Tank specs: 150G (72x18x27), Filter 2 x Eheim 2128 thermo, Pres. CO2 through Aquamedic 1000 reactor connected to 2128 output,
Aquaclear 70 powerhead (24 hrs), 25w UV sterilizer (night), lighting is 4 x 96w CF (6-7 hrs), 2 x 30w T12 (12 hrs), 4 x 21w T5 (10 hrs).
I have a splitter & second 1000 reactor on order, to get Co2 coming out at both ends of the tank.
Firstly, let's talk about CO2, it seems to be the number one issue.
I recently installed a drop checker, and if I did everything right (5 DKh) it looks like my pH controller and KH testing was right on the number.
This is fine however I still have some doubts... I should have over 40ppm of CO2 in my tank, my fish are doing fine, no pearling, and still a bit of algea
(green stuff on the glass, and the brownish stuff on the leaves of slow growing plants) but compared to what I had before, it's manageable...
So, should I try to push it up a little further? Or should I rather address photoperiod, or water circulation?
As I said, I have another CO2 reactor on the way, that should help, but I do realize I have a filter/circulation issue here (perhaps just add a canister filter?)