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Vinodbv
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 Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 12:08 am Post subject: Base fertilizer .... advice needed |
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Hi experts,
Presently I am using Ocean free base fertilizer and Ocean free planting soil. The growth was average and initially had difficulty in growing all kind of plants, even the hair grall also dosnt propogate. The red color plants dosent stay red, they change to green. The roots were growing fine enough but had a staunted growth. The other parameters like lights are Aquazonic 39*4, Pressurised CO2 around 3-4 bps, CSM+B, PMDD fertilizers, tank size 36*18*18.
Since this setup is around 2 years old, I am planning change the base fertilizer.
Since costs are also a constraint... need the experts advice now.
How about using JBL Aquabasics plus at the bottom and the old ocean free planting soil on the top. JBL claims atleast for 3 years the base fertilizer will yeild the nutrients. This will cost me around 16XX for my tank.
the other option is to go for ADA amazonia II where I need atleast 4 - 9 liter bags which costs me around 7XXX.
Need some feedbacks on the use of JBL Aquabasics plus.... |
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royalbijoy
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| Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 9:54 am Post subject: Re: Base fertilizer .... advice needed |
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I am using JBL aquabasics(5L) in my planted tank. The growth is good but you will need a good layer of top substrate to
prevent it from leaching into the water column. I used controsoil(20L) to cover it.
Initially I brought 10L and JBL leached out like hell. The water had to be replaced every other day. Then finally I addded another 10L
to cover the whole thing. My tank was larger though. For your tank size, you might do well with ADA ~10L bag.
The prices which you mentioned are too high in my opinion. PM me if you want to know the real price.
I paid less than 1/3rd of the price you mentioned for them.
Cheers |
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Vinodbv
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| Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 2:06 pm Post subject: Re: Base fertilizer .... advice needed |
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Thanks for the info Bijoy...
I have about 30 liters of used ocean free soil... can I wash it, dry it and re-use it as a top layer ..( above JBL Aquabasis )
Currently this soil is about 3-4 inches in height in my tank. |
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royalbijoy
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| Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 7:49 pm Post subject: Re: Base fertilizer .... advice needed |
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Hmm. I guess the real problem is not the base fertilizer, but water column fertilization.
Can you try dosing some fertilizers into the water column and see if it makes any difference.
There are lots of studies which prove that aquatic plants make use of the fertilizer in the water column rather
than from the roots. You can try the EI method(just google it). Will cost you around 1k, but last for another 5-8 years or more.
It made a huge difference to my tank ever since I started dosing KNO3, MgSo4 , K2SO4 and KH2PO4+EDTA iron.
If you do not want to take the trouble, get ready made fertilizers from aquatic shops, but they are costly and last a few months. |
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Vinodbv
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| Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 11:42 pm Post subject: Re: Base fertilizer .... advice needed |
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Hi Bijoy... am dosing all the macros you suggested and the micros (CSM+B)... nothing working 
All macros are self made... lab grade chemicals used.. |
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royalbijoy
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:13 am Post subject: Re: Base fertilizer .... advice needed |
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how long do the lights turn ON? Do you see pearling in the tank? What is your water change frequency?
How is CO2 distributed in the tank and finally any algae issues? |
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Vinodbv
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:40 am Post subject: Re: Base fertilizer .... advice needed |
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Aquazonic 39*4 on for 9 hrs.. photosynthesis occurs after about 4 hrs of photo period... 40% water change every week.. and CO2 is diffused into the tank via ISTA reactor.
since last month I am facing the algae issue. Hair algae and a type of algae on the driiftwood and on the substrate. this has not gone down |
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royalbijoy
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 8:04 am Post subject: Re: Base fertilizer .... advice needed |
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| Can we see a pic of your tank? please focus on the leaves and algae. |
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Vinodbv
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royalbijoy
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 2:37 pm Post subject: Re: Base fertilizer .... advice needed |
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That's some serious algae infestation. Before doing anything else, you will need to control that.
Try blacking out for 2 days, clean the tank thoroughly, clean the plants manually, spot treat with excel(if you have them) and keep for 5 mins.
Then we should be able to deal with the source of algae and try regulating it.
Only then should you try changing the substrate.
Experts please put forward your views on algae removal...... |
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royalbijoy
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 2:45 pm Post subject: Re: Base fertilizer .... advice needed |
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Creating a checklist for you before proceeding with anything else
1. Lights - OK - Try reducing to 6-8Hr photo-period till things stabilize
2. Substrate - OK - Your existing substrate looks OK. You can use root tabs for needy plants.
3. CO2 - OK
4. Fertilizer - Not sure if you are overdozing them
5. Water change - Perform 50% change every two days for a week and then twice in a week for a week and then onwards once a week.
6. Filtration - Not sure - My prime suspect is that you do not have enough flow in your tank. Please describe your filtration.
7. Fishes - Not Sure - What fishes do you have currently?. Might be worth investing in algae cleaning crew. |
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Vinodbv
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 3:28 pm Post subject: Re: Base fertilizer .... advice needed |
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Filtration : JBL E900 with 3 chambers of ADA bio-rio, and a powerhead (Aquazonic E-2000) thru ISTA CO2 reactor connected to a spray bar.
Fishes : have around 30 Harleyquin rasboras, 5 rummynose tetras, about 5 Cardina Japonica, 1 otocinclus and some cherry red shrimps. |
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