A few questions

[Japola44]

1. Ok so i just ordered a gh, kh and phosphate test kits. I already have ph, nitrite, nitrate, and amonia test kits. Are there any other test kits i need to help manage my plants?

2. How do i manage/fix a nitrate phosphate imbalance. I have an algae problem and it hasnt been going away and i was told that the problem could be an inbalance of the two.

3. I am getting a 40gallon soon and i wanted to make it a highlight planted tank (3wpg or so) with CO2 injection and all that fancy stuff. So i wanted to know how long a 5lb CO2 tank would last.

Thats all for now, thanks for your help!

 

[rich311k]

!. I think you have it covered.

2. You want phosphate and nitrate in a one to ten ratio. Test for both and see where you are. Then you can start to work out a fert plan. You will need to add potassium as well. You cant measure for it so your best bet is to add 10ppm twice a week.

3. I would guess 4-6 months maybe longer.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

1. That's all you really need.
2. To fix the imbalance, if the nitrates are high, do a pwc, and test again. Once the nitrates are where you want them, check your phosphates. If not 10:1, then add the phosphate til it's 10:1. (10 nitrate:1 phosphate) Or if the nitrate is lower, then add nitrogen to bring it up to a 10:1. What I'm planning for my tank is do the pwc, then bring the ratio in line by raising the lower value to meet the 10:1 ratio.
3. From what I hear, about 2-3 months I believe. I'm going to be changing from a 5lb on my 75G to a 20lb probably. Gives me more time between fills.

 

[Japola44]

ok thanks

another question, where do you get a CO2 tank filled, and how much does it cost? I found a supplier online where i can get a new tank w/ CO2 for $50, but i'm not sure if thats a good deal.
Also, i know you have to be 18 to buy helium tanks. Do you have to be 18 to buy CO2? I suppose it doesnt matter over the internet so much as trying to get refills. I don't know how much my parents would appreciate me having to drag them to get refills.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

You can call any welding shop to see where you can get it filled. Where I got my tank, they said refills are around $12.00 for the 5lb.

As for being 18 to get refills, not sure. Check your tank source and see what the price difference is between a 5lb and 10lb. 10lb would last almost twice as long between fills. I'm sure your parents would take you and get it refilled for you, or maybe even a friend or relative.

 

[Japola44]

ok not too bad. I will ask one of the teachers at my school, because she teaches a welding class, i'm sure she could tell me where to get a refill thanks again.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

In fact, she might even be able to get it filled for you as well.

 

[Japola44]

ok so looking online at co2 stuff...
is this a good deal?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=9935&N=2004+113779

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Actually, you can find better, cheaper on Ebay. I got all my CO2 stuff there. One of the better regulators is the Milwaukee. Check it out. Do a search for CO2 regulator on ebay and see if you find something you like before ordering from F&S.