How many of you use the EI method?

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fastlight81

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May 22, 2010
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I really want to try this. I have concerns though. How many who use this also are fighting algae? Im not talking trace amounts but high levels to the point of disgust? My plants do have algae. I added both of my bn plecos and 2 zebra nerite snails and they have kept the algae in check. (i wanted to add sae but my lfs didnt have them) I do have diy co2 with a concentration of roughly 20-40ppm depending on the diy change. I have 2.75 wpg 2 6500k 2 10000k t-5 catalina fixture. I currently use flourish. My plants have been pearling like crazy since adding the t-5 lights:dance2: I did just add ground cover. HC and Micro sword. Will I benifit from the EI method? Is it worth it? I use root fertilizer. also btw. But I guess with the EI method the nutrients would then be suspended in the water also? And since the plants are pearling like mad i read that is a good indication of the plants health so maybe I dont need the EI method? THis is my first planted aquarium so Im not sure if my plant growth is good or not. Most of the plants look like they really arent growing but my sword is going nuts. and the anubias which are supposed to be slow seem to pop off a new leaf each week?

Sorry this is all crammed together but hopefully some of you all can take the time to read it and just share your experiences.
 
I've never had a massive algae outbreak from dosing EI...I've had some algae here and there that is annoying but nothing that makes me not want to look at the tank. The worst I have had was BBA but after some diagnosis I found that was from CO2 fluctuations instead.

With that lighting and CO2 you do not want the nutrients to become the limiting factor. They may be fine for now but after the upgrade they'll run out eventually and I doubt flourish is going to cover all their needs.
 
jpappy789 said:
I've never had a massive algae outbreak from dosing EI...I've had some algae here and there that is annoying but nothing that makes me not want to look at the tank. The worst I have had was BBA but after some diagnosis I found that was from CO2 fluctuations instead.

With that lighting and CO2 you do not want the nutrients to become the limiting factor. They may be fine for now but after the upgrade they'll run out eventually and I doubt flourish is going to cover all their needs.
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Same:)
 
I use EI and I currently have BBA. I know I have it because of the fluctuating CO2 levels because I have DIY CO2 so I'm looking to upgrade from there. But aside from that, I have nothing else to complain about. I just limited the amount I put so that the algae doesn't spark up.
 
Wow thanks for the quick responses. I think I will go with it then. I just got off some tom barrs forum and was reading about the effects of co2. guess i better start saving for that fancy auto pressurized co2! I do have some bba (i think so at least but it isnt bad and for some odd reason the plecos are eating the algae) besides I am so new to this planted aquarium gig that It cant hurt to experiment. Wont know unless i try...
 
What size tank is this? IME DIY CO2 has its merits on smaller tanks up to a point...for instance on my 30 gallon I needed three 2-liter bottles to get rid of the BBA. I never got an accurate reading on how many ppm of CO2 I had though.

I've never used a pressurized setup myself but just based on my experience with DIY setups I would think it is going to be much more reliable and consistently give you better growth. From what I have heard and read it is definitely worth the investment.
 
its a 37 gallon and honestly with the co2 conversion table I am always at or near 30ppm with just one 2 liter bottle. I want to get pressurized because I want to go bigger some day, so thats just one step ahead.
 
I wondered about that. Because I have eco complete which almost immediatly spiked my kh from 3 to 7 in a matter of 24 hours. Granted it is supposed to go neutral...well in about another month for me. So hmm. Well either way I have the ferts ordered. And as for the drop checker I havent payed to much attention to them but what I do notice is that people set the liquid base solution for 4 dkh? if I were to get one would I still do that even though mine is 7? SO MANY QUESTIONS lol
 
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