EI Dosing amounts

[andyjh]

I'm pretty new to the EI dosing method. (110 watts over a 55 gallon with CO2.) I've been dosing the "recommended" 1/2 tsp. dry KNO3 and 1/8 tsp. KH2PO4, along with Plantex CSM+B using the every other day approach and doing a 50% WC on day 7. After a couple of weeks I'm starting to get a little fuzz algae on the leaf edges of my amazon swords. Was wondering if this regimen sounds good or is there something else that should be added to the mix?
Thanks,
Andy

 

[j-gens]

what are your co2 readings??? i would say check your co2 first and up it if need be then figure other things out...

 

[andyjh]

I don't have a drop checker. Just been going by bubble count and watching the fish reaction. Thought I read somewhere that on a 55 gallon, you should be able to add CO2 to the point where it looks more like a "stream" of bubbles in the bubble counter. (too many to count per second). I'd estimate I'm at about 3 bps but could probably crank it up a notch.

 

[jpappy789]

The only accurate way would be a drop checker and if you want to get dosing right, you might as well have the CO2 where it needs to be too.

 

[schaadrak]

Ditto on the drop checker.

 

[andyjh]

I guess it's time for a drop-checker. Are some better than others? Recommendations appreciated.

 

[Cory Keeper]

Drop checkers can be had for $10+SH all over Ebay and various online aquarium shops. I'm waiting on a red sea checker myself, but thats to save on money with my regulator.

 

[plantbrain]

Be careful with CO2, reduce the light intensity also.

These, much more than nutrients, play a much larger role.

Regards,
Tom Barr