FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Hello Everyone,

I've gotten a lot of great advice from this forum on how to best fight my algae problem. But, the question I have is
this-
I can measure iron. phosphate, nitrates and CO2 but how do I know when add trace elements, phosphurus, general fertilizer, etc? Are there signs I need to watch for?

Thanks

Eric

Hi,
This site should help you out:
[link=http://badmanstropicalfish.com/plant_problems.html]http://badmanstropicalfish.com/plant_problems.html" style="COLOR: #FF00FF[/link]

Generally speaking, plants in an average tank should
get everything that they need from processing the
nutrients in the tank (decomposed fish waste, foods,
and dead plant matter). It is when we over plant a
tank, or drive their growth with high wattage lights,
and/or inject CO2, that they outstrip the natural
nutrients, and we need to suplement their "diets."

The plants will "tell" you of their needs. However,
many prefer to add trace elements several times a week
so that they are always available to the plant rather
than waiting till the need becomes great enough to affect
the appearance of the plant. The "dosing" chemicals
and ratios are available on the internet.

Here are some sites that should get you started:
[link=http://www.csd.net/%7Ecgadd/aqua/art_plant_dosage_calc.htm]http://www.csd.net/%7Ecgadd/aqua/art_plant_dosage_calc.htm" style="COLOR: #FF00FF[/link]

[link=http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_nutrient.htm]http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_nutrient.htm" style="COLOR: #FF00FF[/link]

[link=http://www.otoaquatic.com/nutrient_deficiency.asp]http://www.otoaquatic.com/nutrient_deficiency.asp" style="COLOR: #FF00FF[/link]

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--