My Nano- dry start method.

This is an edited version of a PM I sent to the Porfessor...

Thanks Professor,

I may very well put some SAE into that tank if I need a "clean up", as I am pretty sure that I will have algae blooms as the tank is getting set up. Would normal guppies eat the algae... I have about 20 fry in my tank at the moment which I can always move across if need be too.

After some extensive reading on lighting, I have settled on going with 2 x CFL's for lighting. I have discovered that the watt per gallon rule is rather outdated, (although still a basic place to start). With the advance in technology, (from T12 & T8 light fittings, and even on the T5 which is going "out of date"), we need to take a look at Kelvin, Lumens, Lumens per Watt, as well as something called PAR that I didn't quite understand. Taking everything into account, I believe a 6400K mixed with a 10,000K CFL will give me ample light of the correct spectrum. Again, this may interfere with the algae, so I might need to then focus a little more on the fertz once it's going.

Dolphin has been super supportive with helping me with choosing the correct plants, as well as the most efficient filtration method.

I will more than likely be purchasing some more of your ferts in about 4-6 months time (when my current bottle run out) and will also order extra based on what my requirements are for the Nano once it is up and going.

Thanks again Professor

Regards

Z

 

Zoom,

One very short reply. I am beginning to realize more and more that 10 000 K lamps are the primary cause of blue green algae and brush algae blooms. I have just chucked the last one out of my tanks and you will not see another one in my tanks ever. When I have the time I will actually start a separate thread on this as I need to explain in much greater detail, but I am convinced this light is the root cause of these problems.

You must also take into account that my new ferts include a NPK mixture based on EI which is quite different to the previous mixtures. I cannot remember if I have sent you the latest information on this.

Kind regards,

Dirk

 

What is the k-rating of your existing lamps Prof?

 

Thanks Professor,

Yes, I do believe you are correct about the 10,000k. The only purpose I beleive in using it is for the 2 hours in the evening for viewing pleasure as this light creates a well balanced "feel" to the tank.

When I bought my 4ft tank last year, it came with 3 x 10,000k globes. Dolphin has recently recomended me to change 2 of them fo 6,500k. I managed to get one 6,500, and a second 5,500k... and the tank is doing a LOT better.

Yes, I do beleive you sent me the information on the NPK mixture. I am still in the process of going through your discussion you had with Laure on algae and the different types of fertilization. (When printed out, this makes a 75 page A4 book which I bound and have next to my bed!) After going through this in detail, I will then consider how to take my fertilization further.

I believe that I may need to be a bit more diligent with the Nano as it is intended to be a PLANTED tank with few fish. So I will have to get this part correct. I am hoping to stay away from the necessity of CO2... as I cannot afford the huge prices of it. But I beleive with the correct lighting, and the correct fertz I will overcome the need for CO2. It's not going to be FULLY OVERGROWN... only carpetted and the moss wall.

Again, thanks for your reply's.

 

Thanx for this thread zoom, im sure this will help me and lots of other new guys alot!

Hope all goes well!

Schalk

 

The problem with these are that they can be a little harsh and pull the grass out aswell. Might not be the case if you introduce the fish when the grass is well rooted.
My male endlers seem to clean more than the females, if there is no females around to distract them of course. They also stay a lot smaller than the females.

Oi you would not believe all the mistakes I made as I was just starting out and had a lot to learn. The biggest mistake was however having to much water in the tank that got bad because you cant really do a water change with the dry start.
Figured out that by letting it evapourate and replacing it helped.