Paul195
Member
- Joined
- 31 Dec 2012
- Messages
- 162
Hi
I have a few questions about various topics for my new tank so thought I'd post them in the general discussion.
1. Lighting. Two T5 bulbs (1x Osram 865 daylight and 1x Sylvania growlux) mounted at the height shown below. Would this be considered medium, med-high or high light ? I'm shooting for medium tech as don't want to be pruning too often and looking to water change 25% (RO) once per week. If this is med-high light for example, how much higher would I need to raise the light to make it medium ? tank is 19" tall.
2. Testing. How often do you test your water ? I know that this is more important in the initial few weeks and months of the tank, but once things balance out, whats your normal regime for testing to avoid issues ? What are the most accurate tests available (currently have API master kit and JBL proscan but not convinced on accuracy) and is it necessary to test for phosphates regularly?
3. Selection of plants for start up. Read in several articles that its good to start with easy fast growing stems and root feeders to help stabilize the tank faster. Should I choose plants that will serve this purpose initially over choosing what I want to keep long term ?
4. Ferts. Substrate will be small number of osmocote ferts with a sprinkling of peat, covered by inert 1-2mm gravel. Got some dry ferts (KN03, KH2P04 and K2SO4). Can anybody suggest as to how to mix / dose them for medium light to avoid an excess (suitable for a 25% WC per week).
Many thanks for any help
Paul
I have a few questions about various topics for my new tank so thought I'd post them in the general discussion.
1. Lighting. Two T5 bulbs (1x Osram 865 daylight and 1x Sylvania growlux) mounted at the height shown below. Would this be considered medium, med-high or high light ? I'm shooting for medium tech as don't want to be pruning too often and looking to water change 25% (RO) once per week. If this is med-high light for example, how much higher would I need to raise the light to make it medium ? tank is 19" tall.
2. Testing. How often do you test your water ? I know that this is more important in the initial few weeks and months of the tank, but once things balance out, whats your normal regime for testing to avoid issues ? What are the most accurate tests available (currently have API master kit and JBL proscan but not convinced on accuracy) and is it necessary to test for phosphates regularly?
3. Selection of plants for start up. Read in several articles that its good to start with easy fast growing stems and root feeders to help stabilize the tank faster. Should I choose plants that will serve this purpose initially over choosing what I want to keep long term ?
4. Ferts. Substrate will be small number of osmocote ferts with a sprinkling of peat, covered by inert 1-2mm gravel. Got some dry ferts (KN03, KH2P04 and K2SO4). Can anybody suggest as to how to mix / dose them for medium light to avoid an excess (suitable for a 25% WC per week).
Many thanks for any help
Paul