help my plants to be happier!

Beth

Beth

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Apr 7, 2003
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Henderson, KY
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I have a 29g freshwater community tank that has been established for over a year. The substrate is small gravel. I have several live plants: jungle val., swords, water wisteria, red lud., java ferns, and some other misc. I add fert.(contains iron) to the water after each water change.

My jungle vals. and swords are slowly dying (turning brown at the root crown). Is there anything that I can add to the substrate that would help? I do not want to add CO2.
 
What is your lighting situation? What is the fertilization you are using?
Vals like a little more light than some of the other plants you have posted. Swords are heavy root feeders, but I have some that are doing great without root tabs.
Len
 
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okay, light is 20 watts, I know that's low but that's what came with the setup.

fert is Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Leaf Zone
 
Start by trippling the light over the tank- shoot for about 60 watts total. Next, try adding some root ferts- I use Jobes Fern/Palm Spikes cutting them in 1/2. (Use house plants ones if f/p not avail.) I also use AP Plant Tabs w/ Iron.
 
Beth, you really do need to increase your lighting. At the very least to 40watts. Most people with live plants use the rule of thumb of 1watt/gal. 60 would be better, especially for the Vals.
You could use root tabs as mentioned above. I personally don't like them or use them. There are many ways you can go with fertilization depending on how "high tech" you want to get.
If this is just a casual hobby for you, you need to increase your lighting and get a good all purpose fertilizer or combination of fertilizers. SeaChem makes a good line of ferts. Your plants need good lighting and N, K, and P (Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphates) and a light dose of Trace minerals occasionally. It's not as complicated as it sounds and you'll see a big difference in your plants.
Len
 
Okay, let's make sure I got this right. My light fixture is only rated for a puny 20 watts so I need to get a retrofit kit (I see ahsupply comes highly recommended on this board). So, I order to kit for the single 55 watt bulb (that's all that will fit in my enclosure). What bulb would you recommend? FWIW, I have Lowe's, Home Depot, and Petsmart nearby.


Thanks!
 
beth, ahsupply sells compact flourescent kits, why not buy the bulbs from them also? i think they sell it rather cheap. i'm not sure home depot or lowes would carry the light you're looking for (cf bulbs for the ahsupply kits). the hds around my area don't carry anything other than wimpy 9w cf bulbs for desk lamps.
 
Yes, nvision is correct in his recommendation. When you order the retro fit, order the bulb with it. To my knowledge, this is the least expensive route for you.
This will give you just under 2watts/gal. and should make your plants very happy. Then all you need is a good all purpose fertilizer, maybe some Traces and this will balance you out nicely.
Len
 
Thanks, guys! Now, to get the proposal approved by the spousal unit! Maybe I can request it for Mother's Day!:D
 
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