I've been using the IE method for about a month and half now, I have a 65G and have been dosing as follows:
1/2 Tsp Potassium Nitrate ( M,W,F )
2.4mL Monobasic Sodium Phosphate / Dibasic Sodium Phosphate ( M,W,F )
15mL TMG ( T,T )
75% Water change + Seachem Prime + gravel vacuum ( Sunday )
Compressed CO2, pH is 6.9, KH 5.5 - 110W compact florescents.
On the upside, BBA and hair algae is all but gone and plant growth started off explosive. Various species of crypts have responded extremely well, reaching nearly unbelievable size. Anubias are growing new leaves at a rapid rate.
To combat the algae problem I was having I filled half the tank with Bacopa monnieri, the initial response when switching to EI was great - I was able to double the number of stems after a few weeks. Over time though, the older leaves and stems became brittle and becan to decay and fall off. New shoots have started growing out of the damaged areas and the internodal spacing is nice and compact. However I basically have a forrest of bare stems about 11" high with bushy growth at the top.
I also filled the other open part of the tank with Ludwigia repens which initially retained its deep red and green colourings as it sprinted towards the surface. Again, following introduction of EI the internodal spacing was much improved and the new growth was very desnse and bushy. Approximately 3 weeks ago I had plenty of fiberous aerial roots - but now the plants look bleached taking on a more rose and white colouring. The stems are loosing a lot of leaves. New leaves look rippled around the edges and often have small signs of damage.
I had a sizeable collection of Vallisneria which I've been needing to remove as its rotting.
The only real testing I have been doing has been for iron, which is consistenly indicating a value of 0 for both toxic and chelated tests ( Nutrafin test kit ).
Overall I am really happy with the simplification and savings EI has provided, as well as the major improvement in growth. I've learned a lot from the information and experiences the Barr Report has provided - I hope I can get some guidance in diagnosing my apparent defficiency.
Best regards and thank you!
Daniel
1/2 Tsp Potassium Nitrate ( M,W,F )
2.4mL Monobasic Sodium Phosphate / Dibasic Sodium Phosphate ( M,W,F )
15mL TMG ( T,T )
75% Water change + Seachem Prime + gravel vacuum ( Sunday )
Compressed CO2, pH is 6.9, KH 5.5 - 110W compact florescents.
On the upside, BBA and hair algae is all but gone and plant growth started off explosive. Various species of crypts have responded extremely well, reaching nearly unbelievable size. Anubias are growing new leaves at a rapid rate.
To combat the algae problem I was having I filled half the tank with Bacopa monnieri, the initial response when switching to EI was great - I was able to double the number of stems after a few weeks. Over time though, the older leaves and stems became brittle and becan to decay and fall off. New shoots have started growing out of the damaged areas and the internodal spacing is nice and compact. However I basically have a forrest of bare stems about 11" high with bushy growth at the top.
I also filled the other open part of the tank with Ludwigia repens which initially retained its deep red and green colourings as it sprinted towards the surface. Again, following introduction of EI the internodal spacing was much improved and the new growth was very desnse and bushy. Approximately 3 weeks ago I had plenty of fiberous aerial roots - but now the plants look bleached taking on a more rose and white colouring. The stems are loosing a lot of leaves. New leaves look rippled around the edges and often have small signs of damage.
I had a sizeable collection of Vallisneria which I've been needing to remove as its rotting.
The only real testing I have been doing has been for iron, which is consistenly indicating a value of 0 for both toxic and chelated tests ( Nutrafin test kit ).
Overall I am really happy with the simplification and savings EI has provided, as well as the major improvement in growth. I've learned a lot from the information and experiences the Barr Report has provided - I hope I can get some guidance in diagnosing my apparent defficiency.
Best regards and thank you!
Daniel