Some doubts on starting a "brand new" planted tank

[argonmt]

I have been thinking on how to prevent algae blooming right at the beginning of the planted tank and I've gotten plenty of useful info from AQ forums lately.

However i still have 2 doubts,

1) Since everything are new.. therefore the tank will go through a nitrogen cycle which ammonia will rise to a critical level at the beginning of the cycle then lead to algae blooming. Hence, is better to trow in some bacteria from established tank in the filter media right at the beginning?

2) Do you apply the EI dosage right after you have planted everything in a "completely new" tank? Or start the EI dosage after the plants stable for 1 or 2 days in the new tank under low light but high CO2 conditions?

thanks

[MbmC]

I've been thinking about this as well. Seems to me algae bloom is inevitable in the new tank setup? I'm trying to use some floating plants for nutrient export.

I think bacteria starters are available, no need to use tank filter media.

Running in my new setup now, first try at planted

[argonmt]

me too just setup up my 2ft tank. Lets learn together

[blue33]

I have been thinking on how to prevent algae blooming right at the beginning of the planted tank and I've gotten plenty of useful info from AQ forums lately.

However i still have 2 doubts,

1) Since everything are new.. therefore the tank will go through a nitrogen cycle which ammonia will rise to a critical level at the beginning of the cycle then lead to algae blooming. Hence, is better to trow in some bacteria from established tank in the filter media right at the beginning?

2) Do you apply the EI dosage right after you have planted everything in a "completely new" tank? Or start the EI dosage after the plants stable for 1 or 2 days in the new tank under low light but high CO2 conditions?

thanks

Maybe i can help!

1) Since everything are new.. therefore the tank will go through a nitrogen cycle which ammonia will rise to a critical level at the beginning of the cycle then lead to algae blooming. Hence, is better to trow in some bacteria from established tank in the filter media right at the beginning?
Ans: Yes you can.

2) Do you apply the EI dosage right after you have planted everything in a "completely new" tank? Or start the EI dosage after the plants stable for 1 or 2 days in the new tank under low light but high CO2 conditions?
Ans: Yes you can. Crank up the CO2 since you are not introducing any fauna at this moment, example 5-6 bps.

Hope it helps.

[k3nlim]

I'm not very sure regarding upping the CO2 if under low lights conditions. In my opinion it will be a waste cos the plants might not be able to utilise the additional CO2,perhaps more info might be required regarding your watts and how many hours its been switched on?

[blue33]

I'm not very sure regarding upping the CO2 if under low lights conditions. In my opinion it will be a waste cos the plants might not be able to utilise the additional CO2,perhaps more info might be required regarding your watts and how many hours its been switched on?

Well if you know that plants are make up of 40% carbon you wouldnt have said that, people spent more money on other things than CO2 and CO2 is relatively cheap stuff. In any situation the plants are taking in CO2 either more or less, it will still use the surrounding light even when you have switch off the lighting. So when we switch off the lights and CO2 the plant will slow down the intake of CO2 and nutrient, thats why most of us use EI method(unlimited supply). Most of the time people have issues of algae and so, usually associates with CO2 and circulation.

Yesterday i just went to Bioplast to topup my CO2, and the boss totally agree the use of CO2, he said most of the time people have algae or other issues usually associates with CO2 and circulation. Btw i used up my 5L CO2 in 6months, i think it would be even faster if i started my optiwhite 2ft tank earlier, i get massive grow of plant and i've very minimum algae issues which is easily control.

[AquaObsession]

Plant a lot. The plants should take up the ammonia/nitrogen. The cycle will be drastically shorten, in terms of ammonia spike.

Also, there will be more surface area for bacteria to colonize.

Cheers, Christophe

[blue33]

Plant a lot. The plants should take up the ammonia/nitrogen. The cycle will be drastically shorten, in terms of ammonia spike.

Also, there will be more surface area for bacteria to colonize.

Cheers, Christophe

Yes! Plant alot in the beginning, or get those cheap plant that can take in lots of nutrients and let it float also can, it helps.

[k3nlim]

As mentioned, the plants will "still take in CO2 and nutrients more or less". However in low light condition (needs to be define for this topic), there is a lesser demand on CO2 and nutrients. Will injecting excessive CO2 really assist plant growth?

More light=> more CO2 demand=> more nutrient demand

Be certain to plant heavily when starting, to prevent algae growth

[blue33]

As mentioned, the plants will "still take in CO2 and nutrients more or less". However in low light condition (needs to be define for this topic), there is a lesser demand on CO2 and nutrients. Will injecting excessive CO2 really assist plant growth?

More light=> more CO2 demand=> more nutrient demand

Be certain to plant heavily when starting, to prevent algae growth

I dont think you understand EI methods yet. Everyone ask how much CO2 is enough and they would tell you if you see your fish gasping for air that is enough which means supply more instead of less, it doesnt matter whether you have more light or less light as nobody knows how much the plant is taking in CO2, thats why we are practicing EI methods which means unlimited supply. It doesnt mean "More light=> more CO2 demand=> more nutrient demand", that is just a simple explanation, each tank setting is totally different, your plant will tell you what they need if you observe carefully.

I personally have try all(lighting, ferts dosing, strong flowrate, etc...) in my massive plant grow, till the extreme stage, theory is one thing, practical is the real thing. Research till i get the result i want and not by just saying only. And I get healthy plant grow. Below picture is my result. Btw this is only a 1.5ft cube tank.

[Icepolo]

Very Nice tank Blue33 !!!

[blue33]

Very Nice tank Blue33 !!!

Thank you for your compliment.