Hi, I’m new to the forum; this is my 2nd post. I have been researching a lot here in the last month or so, learning a lot but still timid in cranking up on ferts, light, and co2. I’m trying my best to slowly make adjustments. What I really need most right now is advice on starting points for Strength and length of lighting. In order for that I can give a little background.
75 gallon cycled and stable with regards to ammonia, nitrites, and nitrate.
Moderately stocked with fish.
Moderately planted; newly planted so somewhat juvenile (small) plants.
background; I have Brazilian pennywort and water sprite in the back and a small Anubia in the back corner.
Mid ground is crypts x3, rotala Wallichi x2, moneywort x1, ludwigia repens x2, araguaia x2, alternanthera x 1
Foreground: Micro sword x1 and Pygmy chain x1
2 moss balls floating around.
Lighting; I know this is a weak point but I wanted to start with these until I learn more, then maybe upgrade to t5’s if I get more serious. But for now I have the new fluval planted set at 80% for all color levels for 7 hours. Finnex 24/7 planted light could be used for additional light, but it is off for now.
Co2: I am trying to target a 1 point drop in co2 for my daytime photoperiod, still honing in on this. This is mainly due to an unbearable wait time on my “ideal” brand needle valve. I am using a cheap homemade valve that is not easily titrateable. I am getting in the neighborhood of a 0.7 drop in ph for now.
Ferts: again just starting out and choose to try the pps-pro dosing. Daily dosing of the recommended levels of macronutrients. For micros, I am using seachem’s liquid, one cap full, 2x/week.
I will gladly take any advice on any of the above, but most interested in what to start my light levels at; how intense and for how long? What should I be working up to for strength of light and hours per day. And how fast to increase daytime light.
As soon as I figure out how to post a pic I will.
Thanks
Kevin
75 gallon cycled and stable with regards to ammonia, nitrites, and nitrate.
Moderately stocked with fish.
Moderately planted; newly planted so somewhat juvenile (small) plants.
background; I have Brazilian pennywort and water sprite in the back and a small Anubia in the back corner.
Mid ground is crypts x3, rotala Wallichi x2, moneywort x1, ludwigia repens x2, araguaia x2, alternanthera x 1
Foreground: Micro sword x1 and Pygmy chain x1
2 moss balls floating around.
Lighting; I know this is a weak point but I wanted to start with these until I learn more, then maybe upgrade to t5’s if I get more serious. But for now I have the new fluval planted set at 80% for all color levels for 7 hours. Finnex 24/7 planted light could be used for additional light, but it is off for now.
Co2: I am trying to target a 1 point drop in co2 for my daytime photoperiod, still honing in on this. This is mainly due to an unbearable wait time on my “ideal” brand needle valve. I am using a cheap homemade valve that is not easily titrateable. I am getting in the neighborhood of a 0.7 drop in ph for now.
Ferts: again just starting out and choose to try the pps-pro dosing. Daily dosing of the recommended levels of macronutrients. For micros, I am using seachem’s liquid, one cap full, 2x/week.
I will gladly take any advice on any of the above, but most interested in what to start my light levels at; how intense and for how long? What should I be working up to for strength of light and hours per day. And how fast to increase daytime light.
As soon as I figure out how to post a pic I will.
Thanks
Kevin
