[rick dale]

I setup a 55 gal tank about 4 weeks ago. Using prime water conditioner as directed. I put 2 guppies and 2 zebra danios in last week. I also added 10 plants and I have 11 more plants that will be here next WED. I have a goal for a moderately planted tank. I have 2 aquaclear 70 hob filters running and a 48 inch t5ho light with 2 6700k bulbs. With a total of 108 watts. I added tetra safestart plus bacteria the day I added the fish. Used as directed. I also added tetra easybalance plus as directed. What do I need to add/do to keep the plants and fish healthy. I have some excel I would like to dose instead of using co2. Any advice where I have already messed up , or anything I need to do from this point on . Thank you.

 

[greaser84]

What kind of substrate do you have? What kind of plants? Whats your photoperiod?

 

[Aqguy]

I have cycled 3 tanks using quick start but always waited a couple days to add fish, put as many plants in as you like the more the better, until you have a 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite I would not add any more fish, just do daily readings on your water so you can see when it cycles my 75g took 8 days with all new equipment. Are you using a good substrate if so then I would not dose any ferts to start or most likely you will grow algae faster than your plants, be patient with your tank this is a long term adventure rushing things like stocking fish or trying to grow your plants fast can lead to other problems .

 

[rick dale]

substrate

I have around 3 inches of eco-complete substrate. Plants are :melon sword , narrow leaF CHAIN SWORD , KLIENER BAR SWORD , COBAMBA , BALANESE , JAVA FERN, ANNUBIAS. I have been running the lights around 6 to 7 hours a day. But I just put plants in a week ago. Water perameters last night were o ammonia , o nitrite , 5ppm nitrate.

 

[greaser84]

I have around 3 inches of eco-complete substrate. Plants are :melon sword , narrow leaF CHAIN SWORD , KLIENER BAR SWORD , COBAMBA , BALANESE , JAVA FERN, ANNUBIAS. I have been running the lights around 6 to 7 hours a day. But I just put plants in a week ago. Water perameters last night were o ammonia , o nitrite , 5ppm nitrate.

Sounds like a good set up. pictures? Careful with the anubias, I find that when mine get hit with to much direct light they get algae pretty quick. You can use mesh or screen to block the light in that part of the tank or put it in the shadow of a large plant.

 

[Aqguy]

Anubias are slow growers and do get algae on them fairly easy. All your reading look good just move slowly adding fish ,myself I would wait 60 days before dosing ferts your substrate will promote good root growth a foundation for any healthy plant.

 

[rick dale]

carbon

What about dosing excel ?

 

[greaser84]

What about dosing excel ?

You can dose excel, it will help control algae and the plants will use it to grow. Excel is not nearly as good as pressurized co2. You can also look into a DIY co2 system (check out you tube). DIY co2 has its pitfalls though.