I have just set up my 180g low tec planted tank. I am very happy with it at the moment esp. the low maintenance.
I may decide to convert the tank to hi tec ie. adding CO2 ferts and more lights in the future, especially if i can't get that luxuriant planted growth.
My concern with this transformation if i do proceed is water changes. That is why i don't like Tom Barr's EI.
I have had this tank as a fish only tank for 10 years now housing big american guapotes. I have been doing 70-80% water changes weekly over all those years. Hence you can see why i have a repulsion in doing any more water changes, esp. on a tank my size.
This leads to my question. Can i have a hi tec tank with no water changes? Can i dose the ferts and test the water on a weekly basis for Ca Mg NO3 K and P04 and add these as required? I know it means i need to use test kits that that does not concern me. At least it won't take 2 hours.
LAKA