first off, my specs:
tank: 125g long fish: 3 x 2' Ictalurus nebulosus (Brown bullheads) substrate: sand
lighting: 2 x 36' fluorescent tubs (whatever spectrum comes standard with a canopy). They are new (December).12 on/12 off
Water: 65 deg. F pH: 8.0 (it never seems to vary... at all) GH: 14 KH: 9.5 CO2: 2.9 (formula method) NO3: <0.3 NH3 / NH4+: 0
Treatments: Excel Organic Carbon (polycycloglutaracetal): 2.5 capfuls daily Kent Botanica Fe (1% Chelated iron): 112 drops every 3 days 2 x 2L yeast+sugar+water DIY CO2 reactors, established on the 18th and 19th of the month. Both connected to single tube which feeds directly into my canister filter. Hard to say, but probably safe to say I get 1 bubble to 1.5 bubbles per minute.
Test Kits used: 1. Tetratest Laborett (all except Fe test) 2. SeaChem Multitest for Fe
THE PROBLEM:
My Egeria plants are showing new growth, but they aren't as lush as they were when I got them (about 2 weeks ago). the new growth has considerable shorter leaves, and overall the plants aren't as green as they were either.
The Fe does not seem to register with my test kit, and I am starting to read more about chelated versus non-chelated iron. Could this be part of my problem - am I using the 'wrong' iron?
Water chemistry is fairly new to me, as coldwater fish are rather hardy and certainly tolerate a wider range of values. I am however interested in keeping my plants longer since they don't seem to tolerate the changes as much!
Any tips on what I am doing wrong? I also would appreciate any links or references to material on water chemistry or successful plant-keeping in the tank.
Richard
P.S. What is the 'best' pH testing method, within reason for aquaria? I find colour charts so dependent on interpretation because of lights, or how many drinks I've had
