Need help with my java fern

[JasonR]

I posted this is another thread but it was towards the end and I didnt really get an answer, so here goes:

Here is what my Java fern look like at the moment:

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t159/jasondeb/DSC_4764.jpg


Now, obviously they look terrible, but why?

Heres a breakdown of the tank along with stocking and lighting:

7 blackskirt tetras
1 angel fish
1 clown pleco
1 bolivian ram

72 gallon fully cycled tank, has been up and running for about 4 months now. I do weekly water changes of about 30% and my nitrates test about 10.

The lighting is a dual bulb fixture with a 40w bulb and a purple looking 32watt bulb.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t159/jasondeb/DSC_4758.jpg

Im not real sure if my problem is not enough light or if I need to start dosing some ferts or what?


Ill also mention that the newer growth on the plants looks pretty good but then starts looking like the original picture after a week or so.

[gmh]

I appears that you have inappropriate bulbs. Do you know the K rating? Should be in the 6000-10000K range for best plant growth.

[JasonR]

I appears that you have inappropriate bulbs. Do you know the K rating? Should be in the 6000-10000K range for best plant growth.


No clue, I dont think its marked anywhere either.

[oxman]

Considering they are low light plants I would think possibly your water parameters are off. Would you happen to have any info on them?

[JasonR]

All I have are Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate and pH liquid drop tests. My pH is pretty high, about 8.0-8.2 and 0/0/10 for the others.

[Fordtrannyman]

Kinda looks like heat or some kind of mechanical damage.

[jaysen]

how old are the bulbs? bulbs need to be replaced once a year. those look pretty old. i would change them for new plant bulbs. the cheapest are daymax on thatpetplace.com which have done very well for me.

[Bk828]

I would say its missing potassium/co2

[JasonR]

how old are the bulbs? bulbs need to be replaced once a year. those look pretty old. i would change them for new plant bulbs. the cheapest are daymax on thatpetplace.com which have done very well for me.

Probably pretty old, I bought the tank used and it was previously in a pet store, so im sure they have been in there awhile. Ill look into replacing them.

Should I buy 2 regular daylight bulbs? What is the purpose of the purple one?

[Bk828]

the purple one is most likely plant-gro bulb which emits a light spectrum thats more preferred by plants

[gmh]

It looks like a shop light you are using? Poor reflective surface on those so not all the light is making it into the tank. New 'daylight' bulbs are worth a try. Easy to find at Home Depot and the like.

Leaves on Java Fern will start looking like those over time. Shouldnt happen this fast though. I pick mine out when they get old and start to degrade.

Your water sounds OK. Shouldn't normally need ferts with Java Fern.

[JasonR]

It looks like a shop light you are using? Poor reflective surface on those so not all the light is making it into the tank. New 'daylight' bulbs are worth a try. Easy to find at Home Depot and the like.

Leaves on Java Fern will start looking like those over time. Shouldnt happen this fast though. I pick mine out when they get old and start to degrade.

Your water sounds OK. Shouldn't normally need ferts with Java Fern.

No its not a shop light, its made for the tank and has a decent reflective surface, just doesn't show up well.

[webbie]

Get 2 plant specific bulbs, around 5,500k or so and you should be good to go. when the plants start getting new growth in and if that starts turning brown then consider ferts.