Any ferts needed when using Eco-complete?

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D-DAY

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Dec 9, 2003
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I am setting up a planted 7 gal mini bow and using eco-complete as substrate. For now I am keeping the stock hood and will have 2wpg, so I won't be adding any plants that need any more than moderate lighting. I do plan on dosing with CO2 using a Hagen semi-diy system or just a complete diy system.

So, do I need any other ferts, or micro/macro nutrients???

Since I am adding CO2 is there any reason to use Flourish Excel, or since it is a small tank can I get away with just using the Excel and skip the CO2???

Decisions! Decisions!

:)
 
D-DAY said:
I am setting up a planted 7 gal mini bow and using eco-complete as substrate. For now I am keeping the stock hood and will have 2wpg, so I won't be adding any plants that need any more than moderate lighting. I do plan on dosing with CO2 using a Hagen semi-diy system or just a complete diy system.

So, do I need any other ferts, or micro/macro nutrients???

Since I am adding CO2 is there any reason to use Flourish Excel, or since it is a small tank can I get away with just using the Excel and skip the CO2???

Decisions! Decisions!

:)
Click to expand...


Yes...You need traces...you need macros.
2wpg is considered moderate. Also, if you are adding CO2 of sorts, the carbon demand will be met, and there will be a demand for NPK and traces, you have to fill them. Eco provides mineral, nit the smale as NPK. All plants require NO3 K2SO4 and KHPO4, particularly when carbon need is met.
You do not need excel, but have it handy to spot treat plants when needed. Also, I find that when you are using DIY, it helps to dose excel at the water change...just my opinion. FLouish makes a nice trace liquid, or you can use dry CSM+B. www.gregwatson.com Read up on Estimative Index LIGHT dosing for a 2wpg tank.
 
but if you are adding CO2, you need them or you will have stunted growth and issues.
 
There are two main types of ways plants feed... roots and water column. With eco, you have root feeders covered, so you don't need any substrate tablets, etc. However, you do need to fertilize your water column. Depending on the plants you choose, you might be OK with out fertilizing the water column, but you will see the best growth and best results fertilizing to some degree.

CO2 is along the same principle. Excel will probably work just fine for you in that small of a tank. However, you will see the best results with DIY.

Do some searching for nutrients to add. The primary ones are Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (macros) and micros that usually come in a mixed combo. If you look into the "estimative index" you will find lots of good info (some more confusing than others.)
 
fresh_newby said:
but if you are adding CO2, you need them or you will have stunted growth and issues.
Click to expand...
yes with ferts they might grow more. i have tanks with co2 and no ferts and never had a issue. i think telling people they have to add ferts or something will happen is wrong. i am not saying dont add ferts i am saying you dont have to but you could.


add ferts if not done right can bring up more issues then not adding them at all.
 
Ok,

Can I get away with just dosing Excel for carbon and using something like Greg Watson products PMDD pre-mix and possibly CSM+B Plantex?

Or should I just dose the individual macros (potassium sulfate, potassium nitrate, mono potassium phosphate) and use Flourish for traces and Excel for carbon?
 
Last edited:
D-DAY said:
Ok,

Can I get away with just dosing Excel for carbon and using something like Greg Watson products PMDD pre-mix and possibly CSM+B Plantex?

Or should I just dose the individual macros (potassium sulfate, potassium nitrate, mono potassium phosphate) and use Flourish for traces and Excel for carbon?
Click to expand...

Excel = carbon
GW PMDD = macros
CSM+B = micros

The PMDD mix has all your macros, so no need to dose them separately. You can either use CSM+B or Flourish for your traces, doesn't matter which.
 
D-DAY said:
Ok,

Can I get away with just dosing Excel for carbon and using something like Greg Watson products PMDD pre-mix and possibly CSM+B Plantex?

Or should I just dose the individual macros (potassium sulfate, potassium nitrate, mono potassium phosphate) and use Flourish for traces and Excel for carbon?
Click to expand...
if you choose to add ferts greg watson is the way to go i think. the pre mix is a easy way to go but i would opt for the individual ferts. it allows you to change the mixture. something really important when you get bigger higher light tanks. in that small of a tank the ferts will last you forever. you might want to try the whole Flourish for now and see how it all works out for you. i think i spent 50 bux on ferts last time i ordered from gw.
 
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