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Post by parker002 on Sept 18, 2011 11:24:27 GMT -5
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Post by parker002 on Oct 8, 2011 12:05:15 GMT -5
I ended up shutting down my CO2 experiment - it wasn't creating consistent CO2 levels and the algae was getting out-of-control. However, in just this brief time, the effect on my plants was noticeable. One of the Amazon swords nearly reaches the surface now, the ludwigia looks great (despite being pruned and moved twice), and the hygrophilia difformis is just out of control. I cut almost 8 inches off the bottom of the plants just before taking these photos because the biggest leaves were covering the surface like lilly pads and blocking out the light!
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Post by Carl on Oct 8, 2011 12:33:16 GMT -5
I am sorry to read you are shutting down this experiment due to algae. I have found algae is often the side issue in any tank where attempting to grow plants at a more rapid rate. One point I have found over the years (including of late in my experiments, as well as Steven, Misti); and that is lighting. Lighting makes a bigger impact than does CO2 from mine and others experience. For instance I have added CO2 to a tank with low CFL lighting (even though 6500k) while Steven is using a GroBeam 500 LED and Misti is using a few T2 6400k lights on a 55 gallon; neither are using any additional CO2 (just some Flourish Excel and the natural CO2 from bio processes), yet they both have less algae growth and more plant growth than the tank with low lighting but high CO2 levels (20 ppm +) I think lighting is more the key. Carl
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Post by parker002 on Oct 8, 2011 17:46:45 GMT -5
I agree with you. While the CO2 did contribute to considerable growth in my plants, the algae just about took over. I let it go just as long as I possibly could before finally deciding it wasn't worth it. Plus, I can't be trimming my plants once a WEEK!
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Post by parker002 on Oct 27, 2011 9:31:55 GMT -5
Even though it has been almost 3 weeks since I shut down the CO2, the long term effect on my tank is striking enough to make me want to post more pictures. The effect on my java moss is most evident. I think the hygrophilia would thrive no matter what I did! Here again is the centerpiece of my tank the day I started CO2. Here it is again the day I turned off the CO2. And here it is today.
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Post by babygeige on Oct 27, 2011 19:53:57 GMT -5
Wow, what a difference! That hygrophilia is going crazy!
I tried to get java moss to grow on the wood centerpiece in my 50 gallon, and couldn't get it going. Yours look great!
Colombian tetras (and the other fish too) look happy!
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Post by parker002 on Oct 27, 2011 20:27:36 GMT -5
The hygro is just unreal. It grows about a half an inch every day. The little tetras (4 glo-lites, 2 Von Rio, 2 black neons, and 1 neon) love hiding in there. All of the fish seem pretty happy right now. But more importantly, *I* am happy. FINALLY. Going to get some more oto cats on Saturday!
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Post by Carl on Oct 31, 2011 9:51:45 GMT -5
This is what really matters! If I am reading correctly, the only CO2 provided is naturally provided? I have often found additional CO2 is not necessary, especially when there is a an ongoing chemical reaction between KH acid and alkaline buffers which produces CO2. Carl
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Post by parker002 on Oct 31, 2011 11:00:01 GMT -5
I am not adding any CO2. I had been using Flourish Excel as a spot treatment for staghorn algae that started during my experiment. Once the staghorn was gone, I stopped with the Excel. I simply can't supplement now, the hygro is absolutely out of control!
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Post by Carl on Oct 31, 2011 12:49:08 GMT -5
I simply can't supplement now, the hygro is absolutely out of control! IMHO this is a good problem to have! Carl
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Post by parker002 on Oct 31, 2011 14:44:12 GMT -5
By the way, I wasn't able to find more otocinclus catfish on Saturday so I got a synodontis instead. I would have gotten more than 1 but it's all they had. If he ever makes himself available for a photo, I'll try to get one but he's a good hider!
My daughter got two small Kuhli loaches. They're pretty neat...
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