FishProfiles.com Message Forums

I would like to achieve a 'balanced nutrient' state in my tank and understand how to get there in easy steps. Lighting issues aside for now. Can you help ?
If so, thanks !
DaFish

BACKGROUND
40 gal Low light 1.4 wpg, tank depth 14 inches,
Flourite substrate, 1.5 inch in front, slopes to 3 inch or so in the back.. Easy to medium requirement plants, with exception of one high requirement plant (cardinal flower). DIY CO2 thru a hagen bottle and ladder.
(note: I have not been activating my yeast using warmer water, but will next fillup as per Trystianity)
This weekend 4 domestic german blue rams are being added.

Stats: 40 gal
temp: 78F or 25.6C
ph: 7.5
gh: 9 degrees, or 160 ppm
kh: 4 degrees, or 71 ppm
co2: 4 or 5 ppm (guess based on a chart on a website)
nitrates: 25 at the moment (time for water change)

Questions:

1. CO2: Why is my CO2 saturation so low ? After all, I'm bubbling it into the tank... Filter making only a minimal water disturbance as the water level is high. Will using a 2 litre bottle setup (or 2) provide more CO2 ?
is 15-20ppm my desired co2 level ?

2. What test kits do I need next - Iron ? Potassium ?

3. I store my yeast in the fridge, should it be stored at room temp ?

4. I have a bit of new algae on my dwarf sag, looks like black very fine hair. Due to the nitrates ?














The Amazon Nut...

1. CO2: Why is my CO2 saturation so low ? After all, I'm bubbling it into the tank... Filter making only a minimal water disturbance as the water level is high. Will using a 2 litre bottle setup (or 2) provide more CO2 ?
is 15-20ppm my desired co2 level ?

30ppm is more a target level, but you'll do well at 20-30ppm, at lower light,, you tend to have more wiggle room.
Adding a good polished reflector, while might cost a bit initially, will more than make up for it.

The other issue for CO2, the method of diffusion a good little DIY CO2 reactor is easy to make and cheap.

I have one detailed out here:
http://www.barrreport.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=6

"2. What test kits do I need next - Iron ? Potassium ?"

Neither, none except for KH, GH, pH.
Main to see what the tap has and then for CO2 determination.

You do not need any of these for a non CO2 approach.

"3. I store my yeast in the fridge, should it be stored at room temp ? "

Frig

"4. I have a bit of new algae on my dwarf sag, looks like black very fine hair. Due to the nitrates ? "

Nope, due to low CO2..........

Regards,
Tom Barr

www.BarrReport.com

Thanks alot Tom !

Your advice is very good and your reputation preceeds you.
I'll bump up the co2 and look into the reactor and reflector..

Some plants pale-ish, you sure I shouldn't be concerned with iron and potassium ? Or just try these things first and monitor the plants to see how they react ?

Tapwater - ph 7.5, gh 9, kh 5


The Amazon Nut...