Well it is a new tank, almost impossible to not get algae.. Growing Glosso was quite easy, i didn't have enough light in my setup though.. But your tank is not deep as mine, so i'm sure you can do it..
AS is designed to lower PH and KH creating plant friendly water conditions.. The first six months are the most important so make the most out of all the leaching. Personally i wouldn't add chemicals to up the PH.. I have not kept rainbow fish, i am sure they will be fine if the water quality is good. If you change the water chemistry now you are going to have to do it forever.. Do you really need the extra work?
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CO2 is pH controlled and most likely turns off at night by itself.
Have you considered using a timer? What range have you set your PH at? Unless it is set on a timer controllers usually maintain the PH at a set range.. Mine is set between 6.50 and 6.60. If i don't have a timer to turn on and off the Co2 then the controller maintain the PH at those levels 24/7. This is what i used to do but now Co2 is injected only while the lights are on. I have an air pump running while the lights are off. I personally think this is a better way, exchanging of gases this way seem to balance things out a lot more. This is just one way of doing this, works for me. There are others who inject Co2 24/7 with very good results.
As you know i am still learning too, but it'll be good to catch up and have a chat
Exchange of ideas!
