Enough nitrogen?

Hi all,

My 30g., 36" wide tank is medium planted with 78w. of t5s. I dose carbon daily and have fertilizer tablets in the sand substrate. The only fish I have are 6 cory cats and 1 male betta. Is there enough nitrogen in the tank for the plants so do well?

Thanks.

 

Anyone?

 

Might be depending on how much is in your tap water.

 

Thanks for responding. Hmmm, I have no idea how to test that---nitrates?

 

Yes do a nitrate test. Also test the phosphates. Goals are 10ppm to 20ppm for nitrate and 1ppm to 2ppm for phosphates.

 

Thank you so much for responding. I can test the nitrates but I don't have a phosphate test kit *sigh* LOL Off to the pet store later on. ;D

 

Good Idea.

 

BTW, your suggestion for a nano powerhead was perfect! The plants are swaying gently and I placed it just low enough that it's not causing surface agitation. Seems to be working well so far.

 

Uh oh, nitrates present in my tapwater ----> 5.0
Phosphates present ------> still a mystery

Possible solution if the plants are not doing so great ----> a smidge of overfeeding? Yikes, that seems like a VERY bad idea.

 

Buy some nitrate fertilizer and dose it. You may need to do the same with phosphate fertilizer.

I suggest also getting a good iron and micronutrient fertilizer along with potassium.

Green Leaf Aquariums has dry fertilizer that is very cost effective for this purpose along with links for dosing your tank. You may also need to get a carbon supplement or use CO2 dosing.