Help with HC

T

thadius65

AC Members
Jul 30, 2006
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So I got some HC. I have weeded out anything not green and only have a small bit. I am not seeing alot of activity with it. It is planted in Soilmaster Select and I dose EI by the book, CO2 injection at 3-4bps and daily Excel dosing to control BBA. Temp is between 78-80F. All other plants seem okay, but HC does not seem to budge.

Does a PH of 5.1-5.6 cause a significant issue with HC?

Some gets dislodged by Clown Loaches, so I am going to attempt using stainless mesh moving forward, but not really a growth issue, just a "stay put" issue.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ted
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120G Tank, Fluval 304 & 404, 2-300w Visi-therm heaters, Planted with gravel substrate, Greg Watson Ferts, Excel for Algae (when needed), CRS and RCS shrimp, (4) Clown loaches, (2) Angelicus Botia, (1) Kuhli Loach, (7) Silver Angels, (11) Cardinal Tetras
(3) Ottos
 
HC preferr hard water. not so much in the ph, but in KH.
there is no guarantee on how to grow plants as it differs from batch to batch.
 
That could be an issue for me as my KH is between 0-1...
 
Hummm I will be keeping an eye on this thread because I got some HC on the way for real cheap cheap cheap.
 
Number80,

PM me if your source has more "cheap" HC.

Thanks,

Ted
 
Ted..I have a KH of zero and I grow beautiful HC
Not to mention, the greatest HC lawns I have seen are grown in ADA Aquasoil....another KH of zero. I am not sure where the hard water quote is coming from, but it is inaccurate.
The key to starting HC is to patiently plant one or 2 tiny pantlets and space them apart on an even lawn. The next big thing is to have SOFT water and a lot of CO2. The third is light and nutrients... I have seen it grow well under as low as 2.5wpg, but it is a little slower is all. You have what it takes, just don't clump them when you plant. Tease out small strands andplant them one at a time so they fill in.
 
You have 0 KH and you are adding 3bs of C02? WOW... you have no buffer at all for the C02. I would think your pH would be jumping all over the place. This 5.1 pH, is that before you add the C02 or after? I can't imagine ever keeping fish in a pH that low.

HC is slow to acclimate. The first month or so it ain't gonna do much.
 
I don't think the kH matters with HC, I've grown it in a kH or 1 or 5. The key for growing them for me has been to keep them relatively unshaded and undisturbed with plenty of CO2, which you seem to be adding in abundance, and just wait. HC is not a fast growing plant.
 
Robert H said:
You have 0 KH and you are adding 3bs of C02? WOW... you have no buffer at all for the C02. I would think your pH would be jumping all over the place. This 5.1 pH, is that before you add the C02 or after? I can't imagine ever keeping fish in a pH that low.

HC is slow to acclimate. The first month or so it ain't gonna do much.
Click to expand...
oh Robert...it is fine to have fish that low....<here we go again>
His pH is down because of new substrate....after a bunch more water changes it will be back up. He is doing fine and the fish are fine.
You can safely go to 4.8 without problems...
 
phanmc said:
I don't think the kH matters with HC, I've grown it in a kH or 1 or 5. The key for growing them for me has been to keep them relatively unshaded and undisturbed with plenty of CO2, which you seem to be adding in abundance, and just wait. HC is not a fast growing plant.
Click to expand...
perfect~
Having Cories messes up the pic sometimes....lol
 
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