Correlation between Light, CO2 and Fertilizer

After a year and a half I can hardly be called a beginner, but fact is, I'm still clueless in some areas.

I'm still pretty much unsuccessful in finding the right correlation between Light, CO2 and Fertilizers in my tanks. Some tanks do well, others I have to scrub daily and it's becoming a labour intensive endeavor.

Fact is, I want my aquarium lights to be on as much as possible to enjoy my fish and strive to find the right amount of lighting that would enable me to do so and still keep my plants healthy.

I found this article informative without being way over my head. I'm really not a very technical person!

Introduction to Fertilizing the Planted Tank - Aquarium Advice

What are the alternatives to the T5 globes? From what I understand that is High Light, which requires high CO2 and Fertilizers. What "normal" alternatives are there that would not require the addition of pressurized CO2.

I would appreciate any and all help in getting my clueless little ducks in a row! :tongue:

 

Nice find .. thanks for posting the link.

No CO2 is fine for lower light tanks and with certain plants, you can always use CO2 additives like exel or some other for of liquid carbon see Seachem Flourish Exel?

Yes you can use normal CFL's instead of T5 .. but again I find that T5's on the affordable side works well for me at this stage. See Opple T5 28W - Page 5 and Philips Tornado Cool Daylight as an alternative.

Why not try DIY CO2 ? maybe something like this Diy CO2 Planted Tank

Later Ferdie

 

This may end up being a silly question, but I'd rather ask stupid questions than remain ignorant.

Do plants continue to consume nutrients after we have turned off the lights?

When is the best time to add fertilizer?