nutrients

[charlie]

I thought i should share this with all the planted tank folks
There is usually a lot of discussion as if nutrients cause algae in planted tanks the answer in short is yes they can, they can if it is not used up by the Plants, there is even some thought that the Estimative index & it`s intentional controlled overdosing will cause algae, as mentioned if the tank is balanced & the plants are growing this would not be the cause , the doses suggested by the EI chart is well below the qty of ferts that will cause algae issues.
Here is one thread where a hobbyist doses 2-3 times the recommended dose for his tank & have no issues - why , because his lights , co2 ,plant & fish load is balanced.
Posted with permission , although it`s in public domain on Barrreport, this was in reply to a hobbyist asking about the issue.One would think if the EI doses were high @ 2-3 x his tank would have being a algae farm.

Hi,

I am not Tom obviously....

EI was designed for high light and c02 injection. The whole idea is to have more than enough. It is adjustable as needed for use with mineralized substrate, etc. So, you can use more or less as you need or desire. So, dosing normal EI for a lower light tank should be adequate...

This also eliminates the need for testing of nutrient levels as you have 'enough' of everything. Well, theoretically

Keep in mind these are just benchmarks. I usually dose 2-3 X the normal EI for my 220 and did the same for my 180. I usually only increase if having issues, just to ensure no limitations.

However, I start with normal EI dosage and then guage for 2-3 weeks and see how it goes...I tend to do large water changes weekly so I tend to dose heavily...I have fish and shrimps and all see fine..

C02 is your big killer, honestly. I have killed fish with c02 before, but not with EI, even 3-5 times the dosage..

EI can be adjusted but should not need the constant adjustment/care that c02 does. You can up your EI if much bio-mass but usually c02 is the limiting nutrient..

Even if 'overdosing' after a large trim, the levels should still not cause any issues...hence the 50% water change at the end of the week.

Hope this helps a bit.

P.S i`m not advising anyone to go nuts with ferts , take everthing into consideration & make your own call.

[charlie]

http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/9664-Total-plant-biomass-in-relation-to-light-intensity-CO2-and-estimative-index?highlight=This+also+eliminates+the+need+for+testing+of+nutrient+levels+as+you+have+%27enough%27+of+everything.+Well%2C+theoretically

[androo303]

Thanks Erol!

[exv152]

I agree Erol.  From personal experience, there are too many other factors to consider in terms of algae, such as fishload, plant biomass, lighting, fluctuating CO2, inadequate water circulation, poor maintenance, ammonia and low nutrient levels. For me EI on a tank that doesn't have the right amount of CO2 or lighting just amounts to flushing your ferts down the drain and is not the leading cause of algae.