Why Cant I get plants to grow?

luckydud13

Did you hear that?
Jun 20, 2008
1,269
0
36
Charlotte, NC
I am confused, I bought some plants on diffrent occasions first some anubius and it just basically disinigrated after a while, then a leaf plant, that wont stay rooted, and finially frill that also wont stay rooted, and looks to be shedding and rotting away. I was told that 1.8, my wattage per gallon would be enough for these plants, on top of that I dont have any co2 so if someone can tell me why they wont grow that would be great.
 
Plants need light and nutrients and then you cant stop them. Some are more difficult but there is a wide range of easy ones to choose from. The Anubias does better mounted on a rock or wood, if the rhizome is burried the result will be what you described. As to the other plants they may not be true aquatics, alot of plants sold for aquariums are not. They will last a while and then disentegrate. What kind of lighting do you have? Wattage is important (1.8 is a good level) but only if it is in the usable range for aquatic plants, ie 6500 to 10000 Kelvin. Check out your lights, check out the types of plants before you buy, buy from reputable sources ( many on AC sell plants, I have ordered from Msjinkzd and Mgamer and gotten quality stuff ) and you will be well on your way.
 
Ok I have flourescent 1.8 wpg, the kelvin is well it doesn't say, its natural daylight if that means anything....
 
Those lights should be fine. How long are you leaving them on? Are you sure your wpg is 1.8? I have less than that on several tanks and have anubias and ferns thriving. How old are the bulbs?
 
I remember that your tank is a 10 gallon with an 18 Watt light over it. That still should be enough for Anubias. Did you bury the horizontal "stem" that the leaves attach to?
 
^^ now that I think about it, i did, that would explain why there is no roots when I got, it ok, one down two to go, I actuall doubt the leafy one is aquatic but what about the frill? The light is new, just about a month old. And I am leaving it on from 7 am to 9pm
 
Is it possible to take a picture of the plants so we know if they are aquatic or not? Light time sounds OK, it's just like mine.
 
K hold on.
 
Plants 001.jpg

Plants 002.jpg

Plants 003.jpg

Plants 004.jpg

Lol Gouramis likes the camera!

Plants 001.jpg Plants 002.jpg Plants 003.jpg Plants 004.jpg
 
The one with the big leaves is not aquatic, take it out before it rots. Take out the ties to the other plant it might be killing it.
 
AquariaCentral.com