Should I add ferts?

J

jiffy

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May 25, 2004
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In an attempt to revamp my tank, I bought some additional plants, reaquascaped, and want this low light tank to really take off. The tank has Java Moss, Java Ferns, Java Lace Ferns, Anubis Nana, and potted crytps

I picked up some Flourish Excel at the LFS tonight, but I'm now thinking just the plain Flourish might be better.

The question is:
Should I add ferts?
If so, Flourish Excel or just Flourish?
 
Holy cow, can't believe I forgot to put that info!

Tank is 10 gallons w/ standard fluorescent strip light (15w I believe).

Also, I should add that I am starting a job where I could be traveling M-F, 1-2 weeks per month. I know ferts should be added daily, or every other day, but if I'm not there I can't add ferts. Would adding them say, Mon morning, Friday Night, Saturday Night, and Sunday afternoon be OK?
 
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at that amount of light, I dont think you'll need ferts. With low light, there is little photosynthesis, therefore those extra nutrients might not even be able to be utilized. In which case, nitrate and phosphate from fish waste and micronutrients from weekly water changes might be all you need.

How long have you had your plants? Are they doing poorly?
 
That's pretty low light, you may not need anything. The Excel won't hurt though since there is nothing in it that algae could benefit from.

I'd keep an eye on the plants for signs of deficiency. Also watch for algae...if you can ID any algae that shows up, you can get an idea of what the plants might need more of. Just watch your nitrate levels and be sure they don't dip below 0.
 
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