Just doing a home test, it appears that the nitrates are at 10ppm coming out of the tap. I tested last summer and it was more like 40ppm coming from the tap. I don't know if they've made improvements, or if it's just the cold reducing the amount of nitrates in solution.

With regards to the CO2, I pointed my spray bar up, so that the water jetting from the holes end up making little bumps up in the water (no splash) and left it like that overnite. I disconnected the timer connected to the air stone, and this morning the fish weren't glommed to the top of the tank. That's good news. I'll leave it like that. Also, the CO2 selenoid has been on the timer for the first set of lights that come on/last set of lights that turn off.

I did follow the link for the dosing calculator, it's great! For the Trace I have the CSM+B Plantex from Greg Watson. Should I be using the Tropica Nutrition instead, or in addition to?

And yes, I was amazed at the amount of nutrients sucked down by the plants. The tank was full and healthy, with fast growing plants. Heck, the reason I came here is that I am getting frustrated with having the biomass I do have and not having it suck down nutrients like it should be.

Also, are swords just slow growers? I have mostly Melon and Radican Swords, with a bit of Wendtii and coffeiola. It seems to be what I can keep and not get eaten before the romaine. Any other recommendations of less savory plants?

Thanks,

-MT

p.s. I saw some nice CO2 dropper tester thingys, I may need to get one. I just hope someone comes up with a design that can integrate the existing pH controller.