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New set up
Hi, I'm new to this list so if I ask something stupid I apologise in advance.
I have been struggling with keeping plants in my 4 ft aquarium since I
moved house nearly 5 years ago. The aquarium lives away from any natural
light. After stripping the tank down again last weekend and buying
another 10 plants I read the FAQs. I only had 1 old fluro tube and decided
that must be my problem. This weekend after seeing all my new plants
looking fairly sick, I bought a new double light, and two new fluro gro
tubes 36 w each. After searching the FAQs again I also bought more
gravel, some new tubing and fittings and set up a CO2 bottle which is now
trickling CO2 into one corner thru' an airstone. I switched off the air
pump during the day to stop the CO2 dissapating straight into the air.
However, at night I switch it back on.
I have a few questions though:
How long should it be before I see a change in the existing plants?
I have an underground filter. Is it enough to switch it off during the
day, or should I disconnect it altogether and try something different? Any
suggestions what?
I know nothing about adding iron. Would an aquarium carry it or would I
have to purchase it from a general nursery? What sort in Australia and how
much?
Is there any need to measure the amount of air being emitted by the
yeast/sugar mixture?
Is there any problem with my four gouramis and angel standing in the corner
and sucking on the C02 bubbles (they remind me of a group at a party
sucking on a joint :-))
I have never bought any kits to measure Ph or nitrates, but I am sick of
these dying plants, I want to get serious now. Do you think I should buy a
couple of kits?
Thanks a lot for listening and for any answers.
Gail