Estimative index

[artw]

I am trying the estimative index method of fertilizing,  and today was my first day doing the 50% waterchange and adding the actual chemicals.   if anything major happens in the next week like an algae outbreak or a massive surge in plant growth I'll update the thread accordingly.  I have been running my light at half power for the last week and the plant growth has been astonishing, even some pearling, this is without ferts much to my suprise, so I am looking forward to seeing how the EI works with the lights at half power.  the Co2 has been running at PH 6.4 KH 3 ish with 2 DIY bottles.   this is on the low side, when the other half of my light fixture comes in at the end of the month it should be interesting to see what happens to the tank.

so if you haven't fallen asleep yet here is my planned fert routine.  they say you are not supposed to use test kits but just because I am curious I may check iron, N and P with my kit.   Fri, Sun and Tues: 1 tsp KNO3, 1/4 tsp KH2PO4, 3/8 tsp K2SO4, 3/8 tsp dry trace mix.  50% waterchange on Friday before adding ferts,  add Seachem Equilibrium and Baking soda as required at this point.  I dont actually have a 3/8 tsp measuring device so I just overfill the 1/4 tsp

using Chuck Gadd's calculator I can see that I am getting the following at each dose:  N=10ppm P=2.46ppm K=10ppm.  I will also be getting some K from the Equilibrium but I dont know exactly how much.

I know there are a few others here in OVAS that use EI. its a great way to save money and also a great way to make sure your plants always get what they need. if anyone has any EI experiences or suggestions lets hear 'em

[BigDaddy]

That might be a little high when you are only running 2 x 65.  Don't forget, those dosing regiments are suggested for high light, densely planted, low fish load tanks.

[artw]

ok I have been doing this for over a month and I am still getting some green spot algae. I scrape the glass once a week at waterchange time.
4x65 compact fluor's.
PH 6.6-6.8 KH 3.
3 DIY bottles of co2.
Dosing as above
GH 3 from Seachem Equilibrium
Lights on full from 8am - 8pm
Plants doing extremely well and pearling
Good fish load
Moderate surface aggitation. May point spraybar farther down to try and increase Co2.

[BigDaddy]

Try to bump up your CO2 more...

[artw]

As noted I'll investigate the spraybars tonight,  but does "bump up my co2 more" mean provide a level around 15-20ppm?  I'll have to add a 4th bottle or change the 3 more frequently.

[BigDaddy]

Target 30ppm by lights out.  That way you know that you've supplied more than enough CO2 during the photoperiod.

Since you are injecting 24/7 DIY, your CO2 maybe 20ppm at lights on, but may be depleted way before lights out.