Balancing My Planted Tank!

[Bk718]

BK - Thanks for all the tips.

I will switch out the 50/50 bulb and reduce the photoperiod to 10hrs. Not sure about adding another Co2 bottle - can't I just up the bpm and add Flourish Excel if I have to?

How can you up the bpm with a diy co2 setup?? (unless i am missing something)
You said you are using the ladder so i assume that its the hagen nutrafin plant system. The co2 setup is good for tanks 10-20g. For a tank your size you need more co2. Hence why im telling you, to just add a 2L bottle with the yeast/sugar/water mix and connect it to the current setup using a t connector.

 

[WaywardSon]

45 gallon pics

 

[WaywardSon]

I added a couple of pics to hopefully help out the evaluation.

 

[WaywardSon]

I must have not been clear on my Co2 - it's a canister with a Milwaukee Regulator and bubble counter, which I have set at 45 bpm. I use a ladder to introduce the Co2 to the tank. I don't have a DIY.

 

[Bk718]

nice tank

Which evaluation is this??

edit:
ahh lol well that makes a big difference lol

I suggest you get a drop checker to make sure you have an appropriate level of co2 in your tank that way you will see minimal algae issues

 

[WaywardSon]

The evaluation of where it's at now and what I need to do to dial it in the rest of the way!

 

[WaywardSon]

I have used a drop checker - the one I have doesn't seem to be highly accurate. Only "not enough," "just right," or "too much" Co2. Would you recommend a type / brand. I have been using the chart to try and zero in on my Co2 reading.

 

[WaywardSon]

Am I looking for 20ppm, 25ppm, 30ppm??

 

[Bk718]

Yee with most drop checkers thats exactly what you will be seeing. They all go by a color system. so blue means not enough.. green means good and yellow 2 high. The best way to actually get an accurate # for the co2 is to do the gh/kh test.

30ppm is the level you should be going for.
Once you balance that out with your lighting, you should see minimal algae

 

[WaywardSon]

Great and thanks again BK!