28 G Planted - Some questions :)

E

Ezekielz

AC Members
Dec 8, 2008
158
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So Cal
Hey all-
Setup: 28 g Bowfront tank
55w light fixture (ah supply)
55w light bulb (ah supply) CF bulb

Im about to setup a 28 g planted aquarium and I'm already having a hard time. First off, I am confused of what plant ferts I need. I want to have the seachem flourite black sand, but what liquid ferts do i need? I do not want to use excel as they melt vals. So far I know i need seachem flourish, but thats it. What exactly does a beginner need to keep low lighting plants? I do not want to use co2. Thank you for all your help!
 
If you go with a low light tank you'll probably not need CO2. But if you plan on using both of the lights listed, you'll not have a low light tank. As far a fertilizer goes, you may not need it either. You plant growth and the need for ferts and co2 will be dependent on the lights. The higher the lights the more need for everything else goes up.
 
Excel does not provide the macro nutrients needed for proper plant health/growth. Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phospahte (NPK) are required as macro nutirents for optimal plant health. You can buy these in liquid forms at the pet store or look for dry fertilizers (aquariumfertilizer.com). They are cheaper and all you have to do is mix with water.
 
like I told you in chat, ahsupply puts out much more light. So though you might count it to be 1.9999wpg its truly a bit higher.
With ferts you can go with the flourish line we discussed in chat as well (Flourish, Flourish NPK) It will be good for you to start off with liquid, just so you get used to the whole dosing thing.
As far as co2, at this lighting you would need some source of it. Be it DIY/pressurized or excel.
 
You can grow plants with low to medium-high lighting requirement. Excel for organic carbon if u don't want diy co2. U can use root tabs and good substrate or liquid fertilizer with Macro likes nitrogen, potassium, phosphate and micro and traces like iron,copper etc. U can also try PMDD if u have a little knowledge of chemistry.
 
Well my main concern here is an Algae breakout as BK pointed out... I guess I will try jungle vals as I hear they are resistant to excel... I really appreciate everyones input!!!
 
Ezekielz said:
Well my main concern here is an Algae breakout as BK pointed out... I guess I will try jungle vals as I hear they are resistant to excel... I really appreciate everyones input!!!
Click to expand...

I heard that excel has some algicide properties if u double or triple the dose and apply them onto the algae effected plants or leaves . I also heard that hornwort and some plants are incompatible with excel.:confused:
 
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