Inital Dosing (First dose)

[DanielG99]

Hi there,

I have been doing quite a lot of research and have viewed quite a few threads here and other places as well. I currently have a 90G planted Discus tank with pressurized C02. Everything started well and lasted well for a about 3-4 months, so needless to say I am new to dosing and the EI.

Recently I have noticed the start of several different algae types which makes me believe there are some ferts/variables out of balance. I have used the usual methods of drop checkers and the PH/KH tests that aren't that reliable. The tests however lead me to believe I do have enough C02 in the tank. I should also mention I have 4 T5HO bulbs @ 54w each. 2x 6000K 54 W / 2x 650nm 54 W

I have been reading quite a lot about limiting certain variables in the aquarium. I have tested for P04 (Phosphates) and have consistently tested 0 before I started dosing.

So I received my ferts and have dosed once using the EI method. Specifically I will mention P04 going forward (Yes I have dosed all other ferts as well). After dosing the initial 1/2 tsp of KH2P04 I tested for phosphates and received ~.25 mg/l reading. I have also read that a target range should be between 2-5 mg/l.

I am wondering if I need to dose up to this level initially and then possibly follow the EI guidelines and adjust to keep levels in that target range? Thank you in advance for any information provided. Any other comments or advice is welcomed as well.

Cheers,
Daniel

[Gerryd]

Hi Daniel,

More details to come but...

1). You have way too much light for this size tank.
2). This causes an imbalance as high light drives high demand for c02 and other ferts. Poor plant growth results along with algae issues.
3). I doubt you have enough c02 or other ferts sufficient to the LIGHT level. I don't care what the drop checker or the ph is. How ARE you diffusing c02 btw?
4). Most test kits for hobbyists are junk and the results should be treated accordingly. I would NOT make any decisions from them, UNLESS they have been CALIBRATED against a KNOWN solution/benchmark.
5). The idea behind EI is NOT to test as theoretically, no deficencies should exist.
6). Stop messing with limitations. This will only inhibit plant growth IMO. While it does induce color in some stems, this is depriving the plant of needed nutrients.

Lower your light, go full EI and don't be afraid to increase EI as needed FOR YOUR SETUP. This can take awhile to get right, but is very hard to overdose and that won't be an issue anyway. Don;t forget your weekly water changes either. Your discus will appreciate them as you well know.

Hope this helps.

[DanielG99]

Hi Gerry,

Thanks for the info and reply. I have stopped using one of my Aquatic Life ballasts so there are now only 2 T5HO bulbs @ 54w each. 1x 6000K 54 W / 1x 650nm (Rosette) 54 W for a total of about 1.2 WPG. My previous setup was around 2.4 WPG which was what I thought was considered moderate light? I have a 90G, 24" tall tank so I figured to get light to the bottom I would need it, since it's taller than most. Unfortunately I don't have any devices to measure PAR. I'm now dosing full EI as well.

I am using a glass diffuser situated right below the intake for my canister filter. If you have anymore suggestions or comments, please feel free. Thanks again.

Regards,
Daniel

[DanielG99]

Hey,

Just to update things, after roughly a week and a half from starting dosing using the EI method and removing one Aquatic Life ballast all types of algae have literally stopped showing any signs whatsoever of continued growth. Plant growth is looking a lot more vibrant and healthy as well. I've noticed higher levels of Nitrates since starting (around 20-30), before it was around 5 or 10 due to 50-60% weekly water changes for the Discus.

Quick question regarding P04. I've tested for P04 after dosing however my tests are only usually reading 0-0.25 mg/L. Is it safe to assume my plants are using most of what I am dosing? - I understand from reading other posts that most people strive for 2-5 mg/L. Is this really set in stone in terms of an optimum range from your experience?

Thanks again.

Regards,
Daniel

[DanielG99]

Hey, I haven't received any more replies on this subject. Just wondering if you have to "subscribe" to actually get answers ?

[nipat]

Hey, I haven't received any more replies on this subject. Just wondering if you have to "subscribe" to actually get answers ?

You don't have to be a ‘subscriber’ to get answers.
But if you read here long enough you will find that values from test kits
are not valued here, unless they're calibrated before use.

[Gerryd]

Hey, I haven't received any more replies on this subject. Just wondering if you have to "subscribe" to actually get answers ?

Hi Daniel,

Sometimes a questions get missed is all due to volume.

As stated earlier, if the test kit is not calibrated I would NOT use the results..

Sounds like things are better.