Ok separately we have been acquiring our supplies, and doing some work on existing algae in the tank. We have also read the sidebar on Excel use.
We have also been discussing the following.
We are dealing, each of us with a high light, carbon supplemented tank, that has more than casual plantings.
We have each had our share of algae problems.
We know now that keeping our CO2 levels in the 25 - 30 ppm range in combination with a minimum of 1 ppm PO4 will stop the growth of BBA, and have a damaging effect on Hair Algae.
Our goal will be to develop for our individual tanks a dosing routine that will insure that none of the Macro Nutrients
ever bottom out and that the micro nutrients and iron (if necessary) are always available to the plants.
There are other ways to do this besides the way I do it. My way however is beginner friendly, easy to follow, and allows us to build a consistent routine.
I also do not know everything and make mistakes just like everyone else
Our Goal is to grow Plants not Algae.
We need to keep in mind that algae and plants can co-exist in a tank, which is the situation most beginners find themselves in. The key is to allow the plants to become dominant and have the algae go dormant or retreat.
We are also going to add our nutrients to the water column and not to the substrate. If we have non plant friendly Substrate, we may want to seed it with some plant tabs.
Let's deal a little with the concept of plants being dominant. How can they be if we have a water column full of nutrients algae love and lots of light to help the algae produce energy? I have seen "Tom Barr" a very respected plant researcher and guru use this example.
A group of Elephants (plants) and a group of mice (algae) in a confined space.
Both the Elephants and mice eat the same food. If the Elephants are under nourished, not feeling well and are lethargic then the mice are going to take advantage, multiply and feed. If the Elephants are healthy, well fed, and robust the mice are going to get out of the way, retreat, hide etc. This is the basic bio-dynamic that takes place in a well planted aquarium. The lesson...grow plants, fill their needs and the algae will diminish.
Is this making sense?
Now that my Vals are gone 
, I work on getting some more sent to me this week. Getting ready to do the 50% wc now. Have been gone this afternoon. Just got back about 1.5 hrs ago. CO2 is cranked! Will get 2 hr parameters around in about 45 minutes.
