EI for a beginner

[Jimboliana]

Hello everyone,

I am fairly new to this forum and wondered if you could point me in the direction of using the EI fert method? (to start with i dont even know what EI stands for?)

I do know that it is somrthing to do with Macros, NPK (nitrates, phosphates and potassium) and Micros which are generally iron and a few others which are generally included in most liquid ferts

My tank is fairly hi-tech with >3 WPG and will have about 30ppm of CO2, i must add that my tank is not up and running yet though it is 95% finished

Thanks for your help

ps I would like to post some pics of my tank and have a few on photobucket but which url do i use to post them?

[JeffB]

EI - Estimative Index By Tom Barr
Check this site http://www.barrreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1

[Jimboliana]

JeffB,

Thankyou very much, i had see it b4 but had lost the link and was going to read it when i had a bit more then 5 mins. Now i just need to know how to add photos

[JeffB]

You need to just link to the photos hosted on a different site. This site only allows uploading pictures if you are a supporting member (see 'Support Us' on toolbar above for more info).

[Jimboliana]

Attempt at adding a pic

[Buck]

Originally Posted by Jimboliana

My tank is fairly hi-tech

Fairly high tech ? Im hearing the ringing of the register right now for that setup , please do list the goodies you got in there ...

P.S.
Welcome to the forum I see you are a new member.

[Jdinh04]

Welcome to PlantedTank.net!

EI method is called the "Estimative Index" which was created by Tom Barr as told above. Basically what it is, is to dose heavly and as well as do large water changes such as 50% each week, which is what I do. I just started dosing the EI method today, and it seems like I didn't dose much but in reality it is a lot to the plants.

I am using KNO3, KH2PO4, and K2SO4 for my macro nutrients and flourish and excel as my macro.

Good luck, and you have a great setup! That co2 tank is fairly small, but it will work!

[bigstick120]

very nice setup, what size tank is that, I love your quote in your sig, Ferris Beaulers Day off. its a good quote to live by daily

[Jimboliana]

Thanks everyone for the comments, the CO2 bottle is 500g and the whole set-up cost me around £1200.00, i sold a lot of stuff i had in the loft so it paid for it-self really.



I could show you the whole lot as i set it up as i have some great pics but is this really the place to post them in water perameters? or is there somwhere else i could do it.

The main tank is 33" X 18" X 18" and the sump is 24" X 15" X 20" (LWH) which is a total of about 60ish UK gallons

This is just a pic of the sump and the gear



A list of gear

Filter is a Dennerle CO.C.400

Dennerle DUOMAT 1200 heater controller and 25W heater cable

All of Dennerle chemicals and substrate and test kits
Biogrum - Tap water conditioner
FB7 - Clear water filter bacteria
S7 - Trace elements and vitamins
TR7 - Peat bark extract for the prevention of algae
Pflanzengold-7 - Growth promoter
E15 - Iron supplement for aquarium plants
V30 - Special fertilizer for aquatic plants
BIOTRAP-Stabilizer - Detoxifies the water and removes growth inhibiting and algae promoting substances

Classic line CO2 Exclusive for a 600 liter tank (i know its not 600 liters)

Dennerle ph-Controller 588 and magnetic shut off valve to control the PH

Arcadia Pendent 3 light with 150W metal halide bulb and two 18W fluros with digital timers

Eheim 1048 universal pump

Also have an RO unit

I have all the plumbing gear and have plumbed in ABS with a flow indicator/ bypass to control flow (as not to put strain on pump) /non return valves etc and for ease for water changes a take off though i forgot to put in the non return valve and may have to do some re-plumbing

Hope i haven't bored you all too much