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On 8/14/2003 1:01:12 AM
[snip]
I strongly suggest that you be patient and not to plant this weekend.
1st~9th days
1) No light
2) Change water 50% every 3 days
This will bring about more stable water parameters and prepare the tank for new "add-ons" like plants and fishes.
10th day:
1) Plant like what you wanted it to look like
2) Do not add fishes
10th~20th day:
1) add liquid fert, use comprehensive fert like JBL, Sera, etc that contain potassium, according to instruction given
2) add CO2, KH 3, PH 6.4
3) for your 4x2x2ft, start with 144 watts for 4 hrs, increase 1/2 hr per day till you reach 7 hrs
4) at the 20th day, the plants will start to adapt to the water and grow.
5) add algae eaters like otto and SAE. Ottos alone are good enough, about 10 pcs.
20th~30th day:
1) 20th day, if needed add the next set of light to have total of 216 watts. 25th day, increase light duration 1/2 hr a day from 7 hrs to 8 hrs.
2) at 30th day, plants are adapted to your water. For stem plants, prune the old bottoms (they are hinderance to proper growth) and plant the tops. For rossette, remove the old outer leaves. This step will vitalise all your plants and set them for healthier and vibrant growth.
3) check CO2 level - KH 2, PH 6.4. You should need about 4~5 bps by now.
4) at this point, the water is in very good condition for fishes to be added.
30th days onwards:
1) a successful vibrant tank
2) light duration can be increase up to 10.5 hrs if needed. Anything more is a waste. Plants can live well with 7~10 hrs light.
Note: I may miss out some points.
BE PATIENT.
Regards,
Freddy Chng
www.killies.com
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