Great article on the basics of Planted tanks

Thanks for sharing :)

I'll have to read this later on
 
Thanks for posting that link up :)
Im still in the process of going through it, but I have a question, on the "water" section, it talks about doing many frequent water changes,... is this nessacry for a fishless tank? How often should i do a wc for a fishless tank?
 
We do water changes in planted tanks for a couple of reasons.

1. It prevents nutrients from building up to a dangerous level for the fishes. For fishless tanks this isn't a problem.

2. Tap water contains small amounts of minerals important to plants, like calcium and magnesium. Weekly water changes ensures that the supply for these nutrients are refreshed without additional dosing. If you do additional dosing then you can bypass the water changes.
 
phanmc said:
We do water changes in planted tanks for a couple of reasons.

1. It prevents nutrients from building up to a dangerous level for the fishes. For fishless tanks this isn't a problem.

2. Tap water contains small amounts of minerals important to plants, like calcium and magnesium. Weekly water changes ensures that the supply for these nutrients are refreshed without additional dosing. If you do additional dosing then you can bypass the water changes.
Click to expand...
Thank you very much for clearing this up. :)
Another question that pops through my head as i read this....

It says that i can test my co2ppm by testing my PH and Kh, and then using that chart... It ALSO says, that i can test my co2 directly... how would i do this? or is it impossiable with diy co2? Im just trying to find the chepest way of testing my ppm. If not, then i will go out and get a kh test tonight...
 
Nice article, but I would still do water changes.
 
The pH/kH chart is a fairly good indicator and it doesn't cost anything aside from the test kit. Problem with the chart is that it only works if you have no other buffers in your water, like phosphate buffers. You also have to make sure the test kits are accurate.

A more accurate method to measuring CO2 is to use a drop checker with a pH indicator solution mixed with water with a kH of 4. A drop checker is usually a piece of glassware that has a small section to hold the mixed indicator solution away from the water, with a section of air bubble separating the tank water from the indicator. CO2 from the tank water will transfer through the air bubble into the solution and change the color of the indicator. This method works well because you rule out the possibility of other buffers affecting the reading.

Examples of drop checkers:

http://www.adgshop.com/Drop_Checker_p/103-302.htm
http://www.aquaessentials.co.uk/ind...96_302&zenid=2e279e99dd63227c7862db871fbb4e89

Then there's the CO2 test kits like LaMotte's, which can be a bit pricey and there is question on how accurate they are. The readings can be affected by other acids in the water, like tannin.
 
phanmc said:
The pH/kH chart is a fairly good indicator and it doesn't cost anything aside from the test kit. Problem with the chart is that it only works if you have no other buffers in your water, like phosphate buffers. You also have to make sure the test kits are accurate.

A more accurate method to measuring CO2 is to use a drop checker with a pH indicator solution mixed with water with a kH of 4. A drop checker is usually a piece of glassware that has a small section to hold the mixed indicator solution away from the water, with a section of air bubble separating the tank water from the indicator. CO2 from the tank water will transfer through the air bubble into the solution and change the color of the indicator. This method works well because you rule out the possibility of other buffers affecting the reading.

Examples of drop checkers:

http://www.adgshop.com/Drop_Checker_p/103-302.htm
http://www.aquaessentials.co.uk/ind...96_302&zenid=2e279e99dd63227c7862db871fbb4e89

Then there's the CO2 test kits like LaMotte's, which can be a bit pricey and there is question on how accurate they are. The readings can be affected by other acids in the water, like tannin.
Click to expand...
wow, you have really helpd me out a lot, you have no idea ;)
But on the other hand, im still a big confuesed. Im new to planted aquariums, like i have said.... Does the drop checker work for diy co2?
I really apprechiate your help :)
 
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