So my 120 gallon tank is moderately stocked. I have tried plants two different times in this tank with no luck, but after lots of research I have stumbled across this forum and what I think may be the answer. Estimative Index (EI). Now I understand this is mainly for "high tech" tanks but can be adapted for "low tech" tanks as well which is more closely related to my goals.
The tank currently has about 1 watt per gallon with one 4' T5HO single light fixture and a 4' T8 double fixture giving me 118 watts total. I plan to plant this out at a moderate level but not too dense to keep room available for my fish to swim.
I will be performing weekly 25-50% water changes. Here are the parameters of my water here in Fort Worth over the last year.
Nitrate - .75ppm
Nitrite - .4ppm
PH - 8.0 - 8.4
Calcium - 97-110ppm
Magnesium - 4-8ppm
Sulfate - 25-38
Sodium - 14-28ppm
Copper - .51ppm
My understanding of low tech tanks is that there should be no water changes due to the influx of different C02 levels possibly causing algae, however I intent to keep up with these water changes in order to keep my fish happy and healthy (Discus and Clown Loaches).
My plan is to dose the following once a week after my water change.
KNO3 - 3/4 teaspoon
KH2PO4 - 3/8 teaspoon
Seachem Equilibrium (traces) - 1/2 Tablespoon
The biggest questions I have are
Is the above dosing schedule sufficient with the water parameters from my tap?
With C02 being one of the main components to keeping plants, should I dose Flourish Excel as well?
If I do dose Excel, do I need to increase my dosing schedule and/or lights output?
Any help or references you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank You
The tank currently has about 1 watt per gallon with one 4' T5HO single light fixture and a 4' T8 double fixture giving me 118 watts total. I plan to plant this out at a moderate level but not too dense to keep room available for my fish to swim.
I will be performing weekly 25-50% water changes. Here are the parameters of my water here in Fort Worth over the last year.
Nitrate - .75ppm
Nitrite - .4ppm
PH - 8.0 - 8.4
Calcium - 97-110ppm
Magnesium - 4-8ppm
Sulfate - 25-38
Sodium - 14-28ppm
Copper - .51ppm
My understanding of low tech tanks is that there should be no water changes due to the influx of different C02 levels possibly causing algae, however I intent to keep up with these water changes in order to keep my fish happy and healthy (Discus and Clown Loaches).
My plan is to dose the following once a week after my water change.
KNO3 - 3/4 teaspoon
KH2PO4 - 3/8 teaspoon
Seachem Equilibrium (traces) - 1/2 Tablespoon
The biggest questions I have are
Is the above dosing schedule sufficient with the water parameters from my tap?
With C02 being one of the main components to keeping plants, should I dose Flourish Excel as well?
If I do dose Excel, do I need to increase my dosing schedule and/or lights output?
Any help or references you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank You