Perfect; thank you so much.

i read thru all the posts but i still dont quite grasp it... can someone tell me roughly what should be used for a 20 gal long?

what ferts and how much?
can i use eco complete/fluorite by itself or should i have a layer underneath?
is 1wpg of lighting ok or should i upgrade to 2wpg?

i'll have about 6-12 schooling tetras, a 50gal aquaclear filter, and a bunch of low light plants.

Non CO2 methods
While trace mixes can be added, I decided to use SeaChem Equlibrium instead.
It has Fe and Mn as well as Ca/K/Mg/SO4.
I will add about 1/4 teaspoon per 20 gal tank once every week or two.
This greatly enhances the growth of the plants.
I also will add about 1/8" and 1/32" teaspoon of KNO3 and KH2PO4 respectively once a week or two.


A light dusting of peat(very light) and mulm. eco complete/fluorite would be great


1-2 wpg of T12 or T8 with good reflector will work



Perfect, just add water

I have a 54 corner tank that I'm converting to this technique. I won't be replacing the substrate. It is gravel with laterite on the bottom. The substrate has been in use in either this tank or my previous 55 for 10 years now. I have crypt wendtii, anubias coffefolia, a. nana petite and Ludwigia repens in the tank now.
Will I need to supplement it with something or will 10 years of mulm provide all the substrate nutrients I need?

Thanks.

Hi Neal,

What are you converting from? Type of lighting, any additives used thus far?

Substrate sounds fine for this technique.

Let us know.

I'm converting from a compressed CO2, weekly water change regime tank. Lighting is 2x36 T5 and 2x13 T5 from AHSupply. This is a corner tank, so the lighting has to be a little unique.
I'm dosing 3/4 tsp Equilibrium, 3/8 tsp KNO3 and 3/32 KH2PO4 weekly.

The lighting will be to much. This method(non carbon) will slow things down a lot compared to what you have now. Make sure tank is packed with plants and the seasoned substrate should do well. Top off water only and a small amount of fertilizers will do.

Just out of curiosity, why are you changing methods??

Interesting. I didn't think that 98 watts over 54 gallons would be too much. I'll adjust the photo period so that the 13s are only on at dawn, dusk & noon and the 36s are only on after dawn through before dusk.

I honestly just got tired of the water changes. I don't have time to do EI or PPS justice. Plus the look I'm going for in the tank doesn't require high light and high CO2 demanding plants.

It's not the watts per gallon that is a concern, it is the type of lighting. T5 and AH PC's with reflectors put out a lot of light. Generally, you are looking for T12 to T8 lighting over non carbon setups. Your current lighting would do well over an Excel type setup but would still require water changes, maybe bi monthly.

I currently have a 20 gal long ,non carbon, with a single T8 (17W) with an AH reflector. I'm able to go long periods without water changes. This tank is very stable and plants grow slow. Near zero maintenance.

BTW This forum is a great place to get help with gas if you ever change your mind

hi, I have a few questions.No matter how big is the tank , non- co2 method can be use?Any brand of the phophorus and nitrates can be use?The aquatic plant centre that i go suggest me to change the soil every 6-12 months, is it necessary? and he also ask me to buy a fan...is it necessary too?..thanks..TAN