[ctross09]

I have a triple strip light with three floromax plant bulbs. I dose with a DIY CO2 system that pumps in about 1 bubble/sec. I do 50% water changes every saturday and a 10% water change on wednesdays. I have not been cleaning my filter. I do siphon my substrate with the 50% water changes. I try to remove fish/plant waste ( but maybe not enough??) My tank has been set up for over a year, but have recently re-structured it ( added soil to the substrate). I do feed with flakes, but do so every other day to avoid over feeding. My lights were very old ( 5 yo) and I just received new bulbs today so my lighting situation has changed ( for the better). Now that my lighting is better my plants will be able to better utilize my ferts?? That is what im hoping. I cant imagine its an overfeeding problem because I feed conservatively every other day. Thanks for the responses

 

[ctross09]

Hi Ctross09,

Here's a great guide for brushing up on basic bio as you call it ..
Darkblade's Primer

Yes, longer lights will allow you to utilize "all the nutrients," but what happens when you've utilized all of it and you're running on empty? Darkblade makes a great analogy about cars/gas/maintenance. You didn't mention what light you have, but if you have a specialized light and/or running that light longer than you should, then depending on what part of seachem's line you're using, you're not using enough. The same applies for co2. When you said you 'dose', I'm assuming you're using liquid co2 (excel)? If that's the case, again, based on your light period/intensity, it may not be enough.

Thanks for this link!

 

[ctross09]

The colour of it makes me think its cyanobacteria (BGA), hard to tell from the pic....
Can you provide more details of your CO2 - KH/pH??
I also think your lights are on too long.

my test kits are very old, so i will have to wait until monday to get my new test kits in to say. I will update soon