Member

Posts: 146
From:canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 03-09-2004 06:30 PM         

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Hi Kantanas_edge
Youre right. The plants are not growing as quickly as I had thought--and that is okay however until I can get a new light-or canopy for that matter, what sort of plant supplement do you recommend? I am really nervous for some reason using a supplement, I think it is because I have read that when someone used it- all their fish died.
Cheers

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Member

Posts: 20
From:cinderford, england
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 03-09-2004 11:38 PM         

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Hi , i use a liquid fertilizer every week never had any problems, i also do a 20% water change weekly as some plants are more sensitive than the fish. Good luck

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Posts: 158
From:Marysville, CA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 03-10-2004 08:54 AM         

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My fish died when I used some. But read the label and look for one that specifically says that it won't harm fish. The one I used didn't say that, the one I use now does say it and I haven't had any problems so far. The fertilizer I use is a liquid called PlantGro by Nutrafin. It never says how often to use it so I do it twice per month.

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Member

Posts: 266
From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 03-10-2004 11:10 AM         

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Flourish (by SeaChem I think) has a reputable although fairly expensive fertilizer. Basically, you're looking to add iron and some trace minerals (the other macro nutrients, like calcium, sodium etc. are generally found in tap water. If you use de-ionised or RO water you may need to add these, too. I don't add as much fertiliser as is recommended, basically only when I change water. I might add it twice a week, but I'm out of town Monday to Thursday. My plant growth has picked up some since I removed the glass cover between the lights and the water. I also raised the hood so it didn't seal with the canopy and trap heat.

Your plants will only grow as fast as the limiting factor. If the look kind of yellowish or pale, it could be lack of nutrients. If they look spindly or just have slow growth, it could be light or CO2. Nitrogen and phosphorous are only needed in very heavily planted tanks.

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Member

Posts: 146
From:canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 03-11-2004 08:06 AM         

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my plants will only grow as fast as the limiting factor....Im not sure I know what this means. I am having difficulty with my canopy-I think the light is burning out--good timing as I can now pick up a stronger one. I will get some seachem if they have it....good name for fertilizer "Flourish"...that is what I am looking for!
I think I am missing both- light and fertilizer (I am using tap water). They are growing and rooting however they are what you described...spindly and pale. Thanks for your help...I look forward to watching them flourish.
Thanks!!!!

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Member

Posts: 266
From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 03-15-2004 08:11 AM         

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It's like the saying "It's only as strong as the weakest link." If you have a lack of CO2, for example, you can have all the lights and nutrients you want and it will still not grow properly because there's not enough carbon available. Since I removed the glass between my lights and water, plant growth has really increased. I added a fertiliser this weekend containing iron, magnesium, zinc and boron - but the brand name slips my mind.

I don't remember if you had a flourescent or incandescant canopy. Regular flourescents should be replaced even before they start to dim (6 months). This is because they start losing certain wavelengths earlier - providing an incomplete spectrum for plants.

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Member

Posts: 146
From:canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 03-15-2004 09:16 AM         

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Is that really safe Kantanas? What is keeping your canopy (an electric appliance) from hitting the water?
My canopy is flourescent. I looked in to getting a new bulb will be getting it shortly. Also called "flourish"

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Member

Posts: 266
From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 03-15-2004 01:09 PM         

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"My plant growth has picked up some since I removed the glass cover between the lights and the water. I also raised the hood so it didn't seal with the canopy and trap heat."

I haven't removed the canopy, just the glass under the light hood and then I raised the hood with spacers to prevent the lights from heating the tank (Goldfish - I wouldn't worry with tropicals). The hood still can't fall through the canopy, however. Right now I have 1 1/2 watts per gallon and things look good. My algae growth has increased though.

It sounds like you're well on your way. Good luck!

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