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pearling question
I've noticed that my growth has slowed on some plants and completely frozen
on others - plants won't bubble. I'm changing water every week now, 20
gallons worth in a 75 gallon tank. I use 1 Duplaplant tablet, 1/4tsp of
Kent's RO right, and 1/4 tsp of baking soda for every 5 gallons of RO water.
I mix this up in 5 gallon jugs which usually sit for 24 hours before water
change.
Whenever I do a water change, my plants will start their bubbling. As the
week wears on, it stops happening. I'm using CO2 constantly, about 20ml/L
(I think that's right), 12 hour photoperiod. I use Dupla drops in between
water changes. I have laterite in bottom 3rd. 220 watts VHO URI AquaSuns.
I'm beginning to think that I might be missing some nutrient. My iron
levels are good. I use the LaMotte iron, CO2, and nitrate test kits. I
never get any measureable nitrate (at least that I can see) or phosphate
(Seachem). Nitrate and phosphates are not added during water change, so
what 'thing' is making my plants bubble at water change? Is it an excess of
CO2 coming from the 'fresh' water, or some nutrient that is lacking that the
plants get from the Duplaplant tablets? I did not notice a drop in pH when
I added the water (I have a meter to keep this in check).
I guess my question is - at what CO2 levels do plants 'pearl'? If my levels
are good, then what nutrient might I be missing? How do you guys know how
to dose an individual compound, like epsom salt or potassium or whatever?
Kelly Beard, Cat IV, Team Allanti
President, Allanti Cycling Club - http://www.allanti.com
IBM Global Services
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