Estimative Index Enquiry

[woodstock]

Hi all Bros

I very much like to dwell into the EI method after reading it from Tom Barr's article. But there is some issues I need to iron out first.

My tank: 5ftx2ftx2ft
Lighting: MH 2 x 150W

1) Can see fur algae growing on my plants after two days(after changing from PL to MH). Should I remedy this problem first before attempting the EI method? What method is most effective in removing fur algae if this should come first?

2) I presumed we dose KNO3 for the nitrate and K2SO4 for the potassium repectively. In this case wouldn't there be a surplus of potassium due to the overlapped. Is this alright?

3) Is this what the article intended? Assume I conduct water change on every Sunday.
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun(W/C)
Traces KNO3 Traces KNO3 Traces KNO3 KNO3
KH2PO4 KH2PO4 KH2PO4 KH2PO4

4) From (3), I do not see the doses for potassium and magnesium which are important elements for the plants. Should I add it and how to place it in the table?

5) From (3), the traces type are not mentioned in the article. What recommeded type of traces should I use for EI method?

6) Where can I get KH2PO4(fleet enema, I supposed)?

Million Thanks in advance
Dennis

[woodstock]

Sorry Bros the table is in a mess. Please look below.

Mon:Traces
Tue: KNO3 and KH2PO4
Wed:Traces
Thur:KNO3 and KH2PO4
Fri:Traces
Sat:KNO3 and KH2PO4
Sun:KNO3 and KH2PO4

[|squee|]

Check out my reply over at arofan

[Sleepy_lancs]

woodstock,

1. Black brush algae, usually due to low CO2. You can improve condition by injecting more CO2. This was due to the extra intensity of the new lights. Try to maintain as high CO2 as possible in your tank without stressing your livestock. Removal of the infected leaf would be best else you may try to use SAE or Hydrogen peroxide (use with caution). You need not need to remedy the problem first, they can go hand in hand. Good light with enough CO2 plus sufficient nutrient is the key to a healthy tank.

2. The potassium in KNO3 is quite minimal unless you dose large quantity of KNO3. Some Singaporean aquatist do not dose K2S04 because the K from KNO3 is sufficient for their plants. Therefore you really need to know your plants before you can decide if it is neccessary. High K does not cause algae although it some of us experience plants may have warped leaves.

3. Its not important when you dose, its the quantity and the dosage.

4. Thats not true. Potassium and magnesium are neccessary for plant growth. It is just difficult to assess the qty since the test kits are not cheap. You would notice that the article did provide information such as Potassium from either K2SO4 or SeaChem Equilibrium. Equilibrium also provides Magnesium and Calcium neccessary for your plants.

5. Trace are combination of at least the following: Iron (primary), Boron, Cobalt, Copper, Manganese, Molybdenum, Zinc

6. KH2PO4 is available from Gratiola. Call 62209232 for more details.