i've just planted my tank... now what?

[Cardinal Tetra]

someone kindly tell me what to do. i've been told to switch the light on for 3 hrs after planting, then slowly increase 1hr per day till 10hrs.
install DIY Co2 on day 3. what other stuff must i take note off? when do i start taking water readings?

[PeterGwee]

Okay, for a start..is it heavily planted? Plant heavily and I mean it..it would help you avoid much problems. Start your DIY CO2 as soon as possible and then test whether the proportion of sugar to yeast is good for adequate CO2 production. (You will need a KH test kit and pH test kit or test pen for finding the CO2 level). After doing the CO2 thingy..you can then come back for more info on nutrient dosing. []

[Cardinal Tetra]

so you mean i have to start my diy co2 asap?

[reef]

CT, sounds like u panicking. Relax man!. Take your time. At this point your plants are adjusting and adapting to the environment. Different light intensity, duration, different water column parameters, current flow, temperature and so on. So, they will try to adjust to survive. Meaning, No C02, so less photosynthesis but also means less absorption of nutrients. Also means algae will take this "extra" nutrients and = algae bloom. Not too worry, once u add the C02, everything will be OK. Alright? So, get going with your DIY C02 RIGHT NOW. He..he...he....

[reef]

Just to add, I'm currently experimenting with no C02 in my planted tank. But then, I'm using a stablised planted tank. Only after 6 months and everthying normal, then I remove C02 from the tank. The plant now depends on the respiration of the 30 over tetras and 1 mid size pleco. Currently cut back light duration to 8hrs from 12hrs bcoz heavy hair algae attack.Pleco also help to remove those algae.Fed tetra sparingly with floating type micro pellets so no waste. Currently after 2 weeks, hair algae is disappering. Anyway will post the stuff later.

[bclee]

Actually, 3hrs of lighting is barely enough for the plants "warm-up" to start photosynthesis. IMO, start with at least 6hrs to get your plants started.

IF you are injecting CO2, check pH and KH to determine is you are injecting the correct amount of CO2. There is no harm of injecting CO2 right from the start.

BC

[bclee]

----------------
On 4/5/2003 8:03:39 PM

Meaning, No C02, so less photosynthesis but also means less absorption of nutrients. Also means algae will take this "extra" nutrients and = algae bloom. Not too worry, once u add the C02, everything will be OK. Alright? So, get going with your DIY C02 RIGHT NOW. He..he...he....
----------------

"Extra" nutrients = algae bloom.... this arguement has been bombed to death.[] The arguement does hold.

BC

[bclee]

----------------
On 4/5/2003 8:10:48 PM

Just to add, I'm currently experimenting with no C02 in my planted tank. But then, I'm using a stablised planted tank. Only after 6 months and everthying normal, then I remove C02 from the tank. The plant now depends on the respiration of the 30 over tetras and 1 mid size pleco. Currently cut back light duration to 8hrs from 12hrs bcoz heavy hair algae attack.Pleco also help to remove those algae.Fed tetra sparingly with floating type micro pellets so no waste. Currently after 2 weeks, hair algae is disappering. Anyway will post the stuff later.
----------------

Reef, it's an interesting plan that you have.

I am curious about your lighting level vs. your tank size and also the type of plants you have.

The respiration of the fishes is definitely not enough to sustain the plants. The plants are more likely to turn to secondary C source like HCO3-. You should experience some KH drop without CO2 injection, if your plants are fast growing and lightings are relatively high.

The greatest potential problem is BBA.

BC

[BFG]

Ct, as Bclee has stated, start wif 6 hour. Use tis for 2 weeks n increase to another 2hrs for another 2 weeks.