CO2 and dosing questions

[Fishingtrees]

Hi all, have a 5 month old 55 gallon planted tank. Everything is going well but I always wonder if it could be better. Anyway, what do you all use for fertilizer tabs and supplements? Do you dose with the lights on or off?

Currently I am using seachem products (flourish, advance and just purchased potassium). Seeing a big difference in root production since using the advanced.

Second question, in regards to a CO2 drop checker, what is the range that is safe for fish? I know green is good and yellow is bad, but I have sensitive loaches that enjoy oxygen rich water and I want more info so I can be less gun shy to bring the CO2 higher.

Stock includes - 8 praecox rainbows and 12 Laos pygmy multibanded loaches. Will eventually add 2 apisto and a pleco or 2.

 

[Barliman]

I use Aquarium Co-op's "Easy Green." I like the convenience of all-in-one dosing. There are many good all-in-one on the market and, to be honest, I like them better than the Seachem line.

As for CO2, I think as long as you find the range that stays green, you're fine. Just watch your loaches for signs of distress. My practice is to start the CO2 (on a timer) 1 hour before the lights go on and turn it off one hour before the lights go off.

 

[Fishingtrees]

I use Aquarium Co-op's "Easy Green." I like the convenience of all-in-one dosing. There are many good all-in-one on the market and, to be honest, I like them better than the Seachem line.

As for CO2, I think as long as you find the range that stays green, you're fine. Just watch your loaches for signs of distress. My practice is to start the CO2 (on a timer) 1 hour before the lights go on and turn it off one hour before the lights go off.

The ease of the all in one is pretty appealing. I may have to give it a go when my Seachem is finished.

The loaches just have a habit of sitting near the in-flow. Which is underneath my lace plant (loach playset). No distress other than maybe some rubbing on my driftwood. They are a lot of fun to watch.

My CO2 come a on about 90 minutes prior to lights on and goes out about 90 minutes prior to lights out.