Anyone Tried High-Tech Plants?

[flumine]

I've been thinking about setting up a high-tech planted tank with CO2 injection. Anyone got experience with plants like Rotala or Monte Carlo under high light? My tank's a 20-gallon with a Finnex Planted+ light, and I'm using ADA Aqua Soil. Wondering if it's worth the hassle.

[vibestro]

High-tech setups can be rewarding but require consistency. Rotala grows like crazy with CO2 and good light, but you'll need to trim weekly. Monte Carlo carpets nicely but can melt if CO2 fluctuates. What's your dosing routine? I've had success with EI dosing in my 30-gallon.

[flavorite]

I've got a 10-gallon with Monte Carlo, and it's been a rollercoaster. Started with DIY CO2, but switched to a pressurized system after the melt. Now it's thriving, but yeah, gotta stay on top of trimming. How often do you do water changes?

[flumine]

High-tech setups can be rewarding but require consistency. Rotala grows like crazy with CO2 and good light, but you'll need to trim weekly. Monte Carlo carpets nicely but can melt if CO2 fluctuates. What's your dosing routine? I've had success with EI dosing in my 30-gallon.

Thanks for the tips. I'm still figuring out dosing, but I've got Seachem Flourish. How often do you dose with EI?

[vibestro]

EI dosing is usually 3x a week with a 50% water change weekly. Flourish is okay, but you might need macros too. I use KNO3, KH2PO4, and trace elements. Keep an eye on algae if you're not balancing nutrients right.

[flavorite]

Yeah, algae's been my nemesis. Had a crazy hair algae outbreak when I slacked on water changes. Now I stick to weekly changes like clockwork. My Amanos help, but they can't do all the work.

[vibestro]

Yeah, algae's been my nemesis. Had a crazy hair algae outbreak when I slacked on water changes. Now I stick to weekly changes like clockwork. My Amanos help, but they can't do all the work.

Amanos are great, but for hair algae, I've found Siamese algae eaters work better. Also, reducing light duration can help if you're getting too much algae.

[flumine]

Good to know. I'll look into Siamese algae eaters. Right now, I've got my light on for 8 hours. Maybe I'll cut it back to 6 and see how the plants respond.

[flavorite]

6 hours might be a bit low for high-tech plants. I run mine at 7 and it's been a sweet spot. Just gotta find what works for your setup.

[vibestro]

Agreed. It's all about balance. Start with 6, then bump it up if the plants aren't growing fast enough. And keep testing your water to avoid surprises.