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[APD] KH with no CO2
I set up a 29 gallon tank a couple of weeks ago, with water sprite,
Hygrophilia Difformis, microswords, java moss, java fern, some
ludwigia, etc., but no CO2, because I still haven't received the bottle
I ordered on ebay. I have 51 watts of T8 fluorescent tubes, Fluval 104
filter using a spray bar at one end and an extended inlet at the other
end. The plants are mostly growing now, very slowly, but growing. I
have been fertilizing using Gregg's chemicals, somewhat less than if I
had CO2. And, I changed 50% of the water after a week. Today I got a
KH test kit. The water is less than 1 degree KH hardness, but 13
degrees GH. So, I checked the tap water for KH and it is 3 degrees.
Now, my question is: are the plants growing by utilizing carbonates
for their carbon, thus depleting it? And, when I add CO2 will that
depletion continue, or will the plants just use the CO2? I am trying
to slowly bring the tank water to at least 4 degrees KH hardness before
I get the CO2 going.
Next question: Assuming the plants will deplete carbonates, what kind
of schedule of baking soda addition would be appropriate? I tried
looking this up, but am just too lazy to stick to it.
Oh, and I just moved in 6 cory cats and 6 silver tip tetras - they will
have open house next week and everyone is invited!
Vaughn H.
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