[APD] Re: tank specs

[Thomas Barr <tcbiii at earthlink_net>]

>I can't help but chime in. While I agree with Tom that CO2 defficencies would appear be the root of the BBA >outbreaks and poor hairgrass growth that Rob describes, I don't think that's the case. I went to his page and >checked out the section on his CO2 system.

I did and still stand by my assessment.

>He thinks its inefficent; I disagree. His pH is 7.2, and his KH is 17 degrees. Assuming there are no other buffers >in the water, that puts his CO2 at well over 30 mg/l, which should be unsafe for the livestock. (from >thekrib.com, "Concentrations above 30 mg/l may cause respiratory problems in your fish.")

That assumes those are both accurate measurements. Not always the case.

>So if it's not CO2, what would it be? If it IS CO2, then how can he make his system more efficent, and what is >buffering his water to give inaccurate test results? I've never used a powered reactor, would that be a plausible >solution? It seems that many of his plants are doing well; the ones that are having troubles are slower-growing >plants.

>Am I missing something here?
>Regards,
>Reggie

Yes, you are too confident that it's a an accurate measurement(KH and pH).
It's only one point in time as well, not measured at beginning and the end of the photoperoid.
That needs tested thoroughly.

Reggie, if nutrients cause BBA, where is mine?
I have no BBA, it does not appear due to magic or other factors, I've messed with the other factors extensively.
I can only get BBA to grow if the CO2 varies during the lighting phase.
BBA does fine at high or low NO3, K, PO4, traces.
Low KH or high KH.
Low GH or high GH.
Low or high light, non CO2, CO2.
Any type of substrate.

Light , CO2 and nutrients, I've cobvered the nutrient and the light, all that's left is CO2.
If he is doing the weekly water changes, the regular dosing, then we can rule out the NO3/PO4/traces, KH being too low, GH also and lighting fairly confidently.

I don't even need a test kit to determine that. Only "did you add such and such nutrient?"

KH and pH measurements are all that's left and the bioindicators, BBA, poor hairgrass growth (a plant that does very well when the CO2 is high) point to CO2 issues.

Even when you think you have mastered everything plant, CO2 will bite you in your butt.
If I see any problem, I always go after CO2 first and make certain it's good for the entire 10-12 hour light period.

Next I go after NO3 etc and so on down the line.

---Rob, I'd suggest you add some PO4(1/16 KH2PO4 3x a week or 2 drops of Fleet enema 3x a week), 5mls of traces(that's the most you could possibly need) and watch the CO2 closely. Consider an internal reactor if this does not work for you or set it up on seprate loop with it's own dedicated powerhead.

Just be consistent with taking care of the CO2 and as soon as something seems weird, slowed down etc, do a water change and check the CO2.

Trim off any algae that's there, prune it. 
Try 50% weekly water changes(10 gal).

Dose 3x a week: a little less than 1/4 KNO3
PO4 as stated same day as KNO3
Traces on off days.

Regards 
Tom Barr






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