Estimative Index

[Angry_Platy]

I have just spent some time figuring out amounts of substances to dissolve per the E.I. I am lucky in that I have access to all the chemicals at work so will be sneaking some stuff home

I am in the process of ordering a master test kit....

CAN'T WAIT!!!

Only problem I think I am going to have is maintaining a high level of CO2. I am currently maintaining mine ATM at approx. 20ppm (lower just before refilling day)....this is using the DIY method (injection and prouction). Any suggestions here (short of buying a costly unit).....recipes would be appreciated.

Since switching my sand back to gravel and adding laterite I am noticing some minor algae growth on the plants despite not changing anything else. My swords are doing better than ever and the val won't let up on its growth

 

[jimbooo]

hi AP, set up another co2 unit and change the mixes 3 days apart, you will get a higher co2 content and the varied refil days will help to keep the levels constant.

on the laterite front i'm glad your swords and vallis are benefiting (told you so ) the algae could be down to excess iron in the water. i've heard that laterite contains iron (although not certain), if thats the case you could have a bit too much in the water. this should pass when the plants have used it up. getting the co2 to 30ppm should eliminate it especially if your doing EI (make sure you check your NitrAte levels) if they fall below 10ppm you need to add it.

mine's at 2ppm at the moment and algae's taking off. i really must pull my finger out and buy the dry chemicals...

 

[iggy01]

Totally agree with Jimbooo........add another CO2 unit.

A stable CO2 level of around 30 mg/l is critical when following EI.

Good luck!

 

[Lateral Line]

That is what I do as well. Two completely seperate generators per tank changed at staggered intervals to maintain a roughly constant supply.

 

[Angry_Platy]

Great!!! The BF allready calls the planted tank "the great sugar waster"

Thanks peeps for the suggestions

EDIT: jimboo, yeah, laterite does contain iron. This has to be it since its the only thing I have changed (I can't imagine switching to gravel from sand would alter the algae situation)

 

[Angry_Platy]

Well, one of my lights decided to up and die on me, At this stage I am hoping it is just the tube that has died...I am waiting on it to cool down so I can move another one over and check it. I nearly just burnt my hand trying to take it out too soon....basically it started to flicker and turning it on and off didn't help....I am REALLY hoping it is just the tube.....or else I will have to go receipt hunting and try for a warranty claim

So that on top of the master test kit I ordered today ..... $100 plus $20 or a trace fertiliser.....and a new water conditioner....

OUCH!!!!

 

[Jen]

That sounds very much like it is just the bulb. All the florescent tubes we have at work will flicker before they die. I would deffinately try another tube. How long have you had that one in tere?

 

[Angry_Platy]

Yeah, it was the tube....took the dead one out, tried the opposite one and it worked fine in the same socket. So I just ordered some new tubes (figureed since I was paying a set shipping anyways I may as well order a few just in case )

The guy from the store I ordered from just emailed me saying that he only has 3 of the ones I want in stock and that I might prefer the 10000K only tubes. As it is I had to order 6500/10000K as it was all there is here. He tried telling me that plants grow better under 10000K lighting....hmm.....not from the reading I have done!!! I think its easier for him to send me the 10000K ones as it means he doesn't have to order them in and doesn't have to do 2 sepearte shippings (I need at least one tube now)....

 

[The-Wolf]

ok this is a really silly question
what is EI?
have I missed something, or am I being a bloke

 

[Angry_Platy]

Wolf See here for details on the E.I.

Or for the more "normal" of us out there, perhaps it means extraordinary intelligence (hmmm...I really do need sleep)

I really hope it works for my tank

 

[The-Wolf]

way too complicated for my little brain to handle
thanks for the link though

 

[Jen]

I had very very bad luck with the 10000k bulbs. Mind you, I wasn't dosing ferts at all, so maybe you'll have better luck. I had green water so bad that I couldn't see more than 2 inches into the water.

I was using 2 65 w 10000k bulbs and 2 55 w 6500k bulbs.