Quote:
Originally Posted by qsaark
I understand that pearling happens because of photosynthesis. In the presence of light, plants consume CO2 and produce O2 that is released. Now my question is, under optimum conditions (light, nutrients, CO2), is pearling a continuous process in a healthy aquarium? I observed strong pearling when I increased the light from 2.4 to 4.6W/G. However the pearling lasted for two days after which it stopped. Now I only see small bubbles underneath the leaves of my plants. No change in light, CO2 etc.
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4.6wpg Waaaaaaay too much light. Youll find that the plants were just taking advantage of the suddenly available high light. If youve not upped the CO2 AND nutrients to compensate for the massive light, then the plants wont be able to get enough, leading to deficient growth in whatever runs out first, probably CO2..
Turn the light down, let the plants get used to 2.4wpg with good solid CO2 and EI (this takes some time), theyll be pearling nicely after a few hours of lighting. A good solid stable slower growth, is far better than trying to run the tank at 400 miles per hour, running out of CO2, having massive algae problems, awful looking plants.. but lots of bubbles.
Also bear in mind, some plants dont pearl as much as others do anyway, Riccia is a very good indicator as to how you have things setup. If you see lots of nice little bubbles by 1/2 way through your photoperiod, leave it be.
A wise man once told me.. 'The only things that happen in an aquarium fast, are BAD'