how does hardness affect my plants?

[DJDrZ]

I don't think you can stock it heavily enough. How many plants, etc? Can we see pix?

 

[bluemeate]

well i guess it doesnt look that bad, lol

 

[DJDrZ]

It looks great. Plants look healthy (despite slow growth). Add more fish and go crazy. As long as the plants are green and growing, and the algae isn't, keep doing what you are doing.

 

[bluemeate]

so should i step back down to dual t8 bulbs as i have just switched to the glo fixture about 2/3 weeks ago

 

[tanker]

so should i step back down to dual t8 bulbs as i have just switched to the glo fixture about 2/3 weeks ago

Still need to find the K rating of the bulbs.

 

[bluemeate]

6500K for the glo-life bulb and the blue light bulb is probably 10,000K as everyone else says

 

[tanker]

6500K for the glo-life bulb and the blue light bulb is probably 10,000K as everyone else says

If this is true, then that is a good combo.

 

[jasonG75]

how about just getting more fish?

Only if your filtration will handle it, and you don't get overstocked.

 

[jemanser]

I would also do water changes alittle more frequently than 1/3 of the substrate bottom every other month...what does that amount to in gallons? The evaporation could affect your GH, driving it upward if the loses are significant. But I agree, your plants are in a steady state and need food to grow...start with increasing the KNO3. On the other hand... your tank looks good!

 

[bluemeate]

even if i start adding nitrates to my tank, wont my co2 levels still be really low due to my hardwater

leaving me with excess nitrates, excess lighting and limited co2??