Ferts question

[kalabreeze]

Hi, I am still new to planted aquaria substrates. Recently I started new tank with eco-complete. What a difference comparing to plain gravel! Now, here goes a stupid question: do I still need to add fertilizers? It has Iron and other minerals. It does not have macros, right? Should I still add K2SO4, KNO3, KH2P0?

thanks

 

[Bk718]

whats your lighting/co2 and plant list?? depending on those factors you can either dose NPK following the EI or reduce the dose you would use each day down to a fraction..

 

[kalabreeze]

Thanks for your reply It is T8 plant grow light, 2.2 WPG. Plants: Hygrophilia Difformis, Cabomba, Ludwigia Repens, Rotala Indicia, Java Fern, Anubias, Mariselia Minuta, Micro Sword.
I use Excel for carbon right now but will be looking into DIY CO2 when I have more time.

 

[jpappy789]

Your plants will benefit greatly with adding more ferts.

Check out http://www.aquariumfertilizer.com/

 

[timwag2001]

not just ferts. wait till you see the difference with co2. you'll wonder what you've been doing this whole time without it.

 

[echoofformless]

Hmm...with your light I wouldn't try to keep the hygro or even less so the cabomba. But that's just me.

I find Excel is better than DIY CO2 in my experience.

As far as ferts go, those plants do like the water column fertilization. So i would go with a light regimen of maybe just a general purpose like Flourish.

One of the pitfalls that beginners (I did it!) fall into is thinking the plants need a lot more care than they actually do. Really just keeping good light, good water and light feeding is all that is really needed for success in a basic system.

 

[timwag2001]

i dont know about cabomba but i'm pretty sure that your hygro should be more than fine. i have some hygro kompact with 1.96 wpg and co2 and they are doing great! flourish is ok but doesnt compare to co2 whether it be diy or pressurized. i used excel for a few months and my plants were groing but when i put co2 in my tank they started to take off. get some ferts and your plants will be very happy.

 

[Bk718]

When you hook up diy co2, still dose excel every now and then since diy co2 isnt very consistent. Other than that all plants should grow well.

 

[addicted2fish]

yes, and remeber not everyone that gives advice knows what they are saying ... lol listen to the vets, see there pics of there tanks they have had set up anf used there regimens for years, but also remeber what works for some doesent work for all, your plants will tell you what they need, watch them more than anything , for the 1st few mths eco is great , it will make your plants shoot off great ! I would dose the excel and get your co2 running and try to keep it consistent , ie: redo every week. Also yes, I woudl start using your dry ferts on a slow start, then add more of wjhat your' plants need in time you will know what they want good luck looks like you have a nice planted tank soon to be

 

[jpappy789]

I have had cabomba and hygro difformis (wisteria) grow abundantly under 2 wpg. Co2 and ferts really helped IME, although they did fine without it as well.