How Fast Does Hc Grow Under Optimum Conditions?

[FishBeast]

Hi, I have 312w of T5 lighting (8x6500k, 3000+ LUX at substrate level), pressurised CO2, good water movement and am using EI method. My light currently runs at full brightness for 12hrs a day. My CO2 outlet blows about 1/2 an inch above my substrate and the leaves of my plants are gently swaying. Currently running at just over 30ppm. My HC pearls for a bit when I put the ferts in and then the next day it stops pearling whilst every other plant in the tank continues to pearl. Does this mean that I need to up the amount of fertilizers? The HC is growing but I would like to know how fast it spreads when grown under optimum conditions. And does the pearling mean that it is growing faster?

Cheers!

 

[baron von bubba]

Hi, I have 312w of T5 lighting (8x6500k, 3000+ LUX at substrate level), pressurised CO2, good water movement and am using EI method. My light currently runs at full brightness for 12hrs a day. My CO2 outlet blows about 1/2 an inch above my substrate and the leaves of my plants are gently swaying. Currently running at just over 30ppm. My HC pearls for a bit when I put the ferts in and then the next day it stops pearling whilst every other plant in the tank continues to pearl. Does this mean that I need to up the amount of fertilizers? The HC is growing but I would like to know how fast it spreads when grown under optimum conditions. And does the pearling mean that it is growing faster?

Cheers!

thats a LOT of light! for a long time, must be a BIG tank?
how are you measuring/guessing your CO2 levels?

 

[FishBeast]

It is a 134g tank. About 3 watts per gallon. I am using a drop checker which is almost pale green on the yellow side. It is still green but now quite as deep a green as 30ppm.

 

[baron von bubba]

It is a 134g tank. About 3 watts per gallon. I am using a drop checker which is almost pale green on the yellow side. It is still green but now quite as deep a green as 30ppm.

from what i gather HC can be a pretty slow starter, needs very good co2, some recommend adding liquid carbon also.
i've tried it once but that was before my co2 was upto scratch so had no luck.
pearling means the water is O2 saturated but it is a pretty good indication of the plants growing well.
just out of interest what ferts are you dosing?

 

[aaronnorth]

HC is a weed.
i would cut the lighting down to 8hrs to help with plant growth & limit algae. EI should be giving you enough nutrients, but if you feel the need too, then you can dose at double the rate.
as long as no defficiencies are appearing then that is a good sign. i wouldnt worry too much about pearling.

another option is to split the dose into daily amounts rather than every other day.

 

[FishBeast]

sweet, thanks guys! Will cut the hours down to 8 like Aaron said.