Can use EI to accelerate then cut back to cruising ?

[dc88]

If I use EI method to accelerate the maximum growth and once I am satisified with the growth stage can I cut back to a cruising speed ? Any guidance ? Reduce everything by proportion ? (e.g. light intensity, CO2, fert, water change, all reduce by X% ?)
Look forward to learn from anyone with practical experience on this.

Thanks
dc

[bclee]

Not really...

You either go all out with full CO2 at 30ppm or totally no CO2. Although you may go in between, the tendencies is that you'll get algae infestations.

Even when you cut the CO2, you plants will go through transitions. During the transitions, you are likely to get algae. Some plants will shed leaves and some will just simply grow slower and shrink in size. It will take 2 weeks or so for the plants to re-adapt and overtake the algae.

BC

[dc88]

I see. So if totally apply the full break (stop CO2) the plants after transition can never be the same as with the EI maximum speed ?
This bring me to another thought that how long an EI tank would typically hang on ? 1-2 years ? Or after that priceless photo shot and than its all over for another new rescape cycle ? : )
Well that's is nothing wrong with that either.

[|squee|]

I agree with Bclee...

Theoritically it should hang on forever, assuming maintainence is constant. It's the same with all tanks... However few of us can appreciate a tank for a long time... we like change

[PeterGwee]

Never slow down the CO2. Go for the light if you want slow growth and yet the benefits of CO2 (Lower intensity..not the duration.). 40+% of a plants dry weight is carbon....it will benefit the plant the greatest even at low light.

Regarrds
Peter Gwee