CO2 and Plants

Discussion in 'Plant Problems' started by CARNaG3za, Apr 8, 2013.

  1. Slagter
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    Slagter Aquascaper

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    Not really... The Step series is designed for Aquasoil, but you could use the Brighty K and Green Brighty Special Lights, as it is an NPK solution. Otherwise, why not try the Tropica Specialized Fertilizer? It's a one bottle solution to your needs. Just follow the dosing on the bottle, but split the recommended dosage over 3 days.

    Sams Aquariums sells the ADA and Tropica, and Fish ETC sells the Tropica. Or you could try Hartlands as well.
     
  2. CARNaG3za
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    CARNaG3za Noob

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    Can anyone ID that plant?

    Cant seem to find it on the net....Wife wanted it, so don't really want to take it out the tank (for keeping the peace reasons :laughing7: )
     
  3. gwhite
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    gwhite Algae harvester

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    Excellent, will look into Tropica. If say I was to use Tropica along with my pressurized CO2 could I stop using Flourish Excel which I am currently using on a daily basis?
     
  4. Slagter
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    Slagter Aquascaper

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    Yes you could. Tropica has a long carbon chain in the actual formulation. If you are using excel as a carbon source, you can also still use the tropica as well.
     
  5. azurekoi
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    azurekoi Specialist

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    Purple Waffle - Hemmigraphus alternata.... and yup - it's not a true aquatic plant.
     
  6. CARNaG3za
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    CARNaG3za Noob

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    Thanks, I shall be looking for a suitable replacement this weekend.
     
  7. CARNaG3za
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    CARNaG3za Noob

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    Hi Guys,
    The BBA is not dying back. seems to be getting worse now?

    I dose ADA everyday and have pressurised CO2.
    Lighting is 3 x 30w Dymax T8 lights. 2x white 1x pink.
    Lights are on for 8 hours. 13h00 to 21h00.

    I do a 10% water change every week (is this to often?)
    could it be dissolved CO2 in the tap water causing issues?
     
  8. Anonymous
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    try a 50 percent water change to reset your dosing regime.
    Why not try removing the BBA manually from broad leaves plants.
    Also try and increase your Kn03 slightly.
    Just my 2c
     
  9. Lloydster
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    Lloydster Green fingers

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    that's too little bud. 40% atleast

    and no, its not the tap waters CO2 content that is causing the issue.
     
  10. CARNaG3za
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    CARNaG3za Noob

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    40% weekly?
    DAMN!!! :eek:
     
  11. Slagter
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    Slagter Aquascaper

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    A 40% water change takes 5 more minutes! What's the problem? :p

    But what's happening in your system is that the plants use the hardness in the water. They absorb calcium and they effectively soften your water. If you're using aquasoil, this makes the water even softer. So then you add CO2 which makes the water even more acidic... So your tank doesn't have a balance.

    When you do a water change, you're not only resetting your tank, you're also increasing the hardness of the water. This is what prevents pH swings and CO2 imbalances in your aquarium, which is the cause of BBA.
     
  12. CARNaG3za
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    CARNaG3za Noob

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    No problem at all, I do it through the hose anyways. just seems like a poop load of water.

    Ok I will increase the amount of water that is changed, perhaps starting tonight (although I need to build my new reef tank)
    Should I take the driftwood out and scrub it, or leave it for now and monitor after the water changes?
     
  13. Slagter
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    Slagter Aquascaper

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    Remove as much as you can. It is better.

    Then try get a handful of crushed coral and stick it in the filter. It will help buffer the water long term.
     
  14. Anonymous
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    Plants will take preference over algae any day when it comes to fert absorption.
    So if you conditions are right and you do your water changes.
    Your BBA will die off.
    It might take a 2 to 4 weeks. But it will go away.
     
  15. JP01
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    Nuke them with Peroxide (check dosing) and double doses of excell everyday the BBA will quickly turn red and die then just keep up with correct wc's and ferts and it will stay away.
     
  16. Ryno
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    Ryno Plant menace

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    yeah just dont dose peroxide more than once a week. make sure you do 50%wc weekly. excel worked great for me. whats that ADA product that kills BBA like instantly? seen it at dorry pets last weekend phyton grit? something like that? ivan and sean cant advice you on that one maybe
     

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