Test Kits for Plants?

Z

Zman16

AC Members
Jul 8, 2005
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Hi, I'm new to live aquatic plants, and I was wondering what kind of test kits I need for the plants. I'm thinking about getting a couple of plants in my tank, but I don't know what test kits I need.

Also, do you need any particular substrate for the plants to grow in?
 
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You'll defenately want ph and kh test kits. (check co2) And a nitrate test kit.(Just get a master test kit)
Most trace element mixes are made so that if your iron is at the appropriate level, all others should fall into place, so an iron test kit would be helpful. Most other kits are quite inacurate and need calibration on a regular basis. Good ones are quite pricey. Go here: www.barrreport.com and click on "Estimative Index" That'll give you a really good way to have a good idea of what you have in your tank without actually testing. From there, you can find how much you need to dose. Keep adding less and less ferts until you see a negative response then bump it up a bit. That'll be how much your plants need. No test kit needed. Who cares how much you have in there, as long as the plants aren't lacking and you're not way over on your doses, everyone's happy!
 
I have to respectfully dis-agree with some of the above.
A master test kit is a good idea for a beginner. It should include pH,gH,kH,ammonia,nitrIte,nitrAte and possibly phosphate. You won't need the ammonia and nitrIte testers after the plants start to grow and balance is established, but buying a 'master kit' can/will save you money as opposed to buying them individually.
An Fe(iron) test kit is not necessary and I advise against wasting your money there. Likewise a K (potassium) kit. Both are difficult to use or interpret accurately, and just plain not worth wasting your money on unless you want to spend big bucks for a Lamotte or a Hach kit.
Fe is a micro nutrient and found in any good all-purpose trace element mix, like SeaChem's Flourish. All the basic micro's are in there in appropriate amounts.
Ideally, I suggest a clay based substrate like Flourite if you intent to get into a planted tank. It is relatively small in diameter, and loaded with Fe and also has the ability to hold nutrients for the plants.
If you don't want to spend the money for Flourite, at least check out a bag of it at your LFS just to see the size of the individual stones. IMO, they are just right for a planted tank.
Plants need auxiliary dosing when the fish can't supply enough for them by themselves. From the look of your fish load and with the idea that you only intend to plant a couple of plants, initially you many not need any extra nutrient dosing.
What is your current lighting situation? This will determine many things you may or may not need down the road.

Len
 
I have lighting, which every day stays on for about 12 hours, give or take.
 
It has 100 watts and I'm not sure what you mean about what type of lighting.
 
Are the tubes regular fluorescent (NO) or compact fluorescent (CF)?
You have 3 wpg which will support many different types of plants.

Len
 
My lights are NO, and thanks for the help.
 
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