test kits

[tim_s]

Hi Everyone,

I have been using Seachem flourish but with many variables / supplements there must be recommended test kits to determine deficiency ?

Recommendations?

 

[mohican]

Deficiencies in what?

 

[tim_s]

OK! I will word it another way!

When I go to the store and view the Seachem supplement for plants they have many varying types.

I am currently using,

Seachem Flourish Complete Solution

But they have many more available such-as potassium, phosphate etc.

My question is,

How are people determining when levels of a certain item is low.

 

[aqua_chem]

Seeing deficiency pathologies in plants is probably the best way.

 

[tim_s]

Seeing deficiency pathologies in plants is probably the best way.

This situation may change once I begin the process of PPS Pro or EI.

 

[aqua_chem]

PPS Pro will take some calibrating to get the right amounts, but EI is designed such that all nutrients are available in excess.

 

[tim_s]

From what I am reading EI is more beginner friendly. I like a challenge from time to time - I may start with EI and see how the Algae situation is handled.

 

[mohican]

They're different methods based on CO2, WC schedule, etc so be sure to consider that when making your choice. Aquachem helped me, and the web site too.

 

[tim_s]

They're different methods based on CO2, WC schedule, etc so be sure to consider that when making your choice. Aquachem helped me, and the web site too.

CO2 = pressurized
WC = Every Sunday 40 G.

If this helps.

I do not want to over work Aquachem LOL

 

[aqua_chem]

Implicit in standard EI is the need for a weekly water change of at least 50%.

 

[tim_s]

Implicit in standard EI is the need for a weekly water change of at least 50%.

Of course,

Display = 90 G
Sump = 30 G

You can imagine between equipment, substrate etc in both we can reduce this number by at-least 20 G

Rough Est. = 120 G (60 G as 50%)

So increasing the water changes by 20 G I am happy to do but since I have only 5 plants currently I will most probably EI dose as if the tank was 50% - 60% at the start.

I imagine any higher would just be a waste.

 

[aqua_chem]

EI also assumes a pretty heavily planted tank. You might have to dial back the dosages.

 

[tim_s]

EI also assumes a pretty heavily planted tank. You might have to dial back the dosages.

Exactly

.. since I have only 5 plants currently I will most probably EI dose as if the tank was 50% - 60% at the start.