Plants turning yellow and not growing.

[FishKeeper-16]

i have some live plants in my tank and the leaves are starting to turn yellow and are not growing and how do I solve this problem without hurting any fish? I am also adding new fish this weekend.

[Blinky]

Can you post some more information? The more information you provide, the easier it will be for someone to pinpoint the problem and help you solve it. The following would be helpful:
- type of plants and how many
- lighting type, wattage, photoperiod
- test results (pH, KH, NO3)
- fertilization (what kind(s), how much, are you adding CO2)
- tank info (size, maintenance routine, inhabitants)

[FishKeeper-16]

Can you post some more information? The more information you provide, the easier it will be for someone to pinpoint the problem and help you solve it. The following would be helpful:
- type of plants and how many
- lighting type, wattage, photoperiod
- test results (pH, KH, NO3)
- fertilization (what kind(s), how much, are you adding CO2)
- tank info (size, maintenance routine, inhabitants)

5 Aponogeton plants
20 watt fourescent light
neutural ph and kh and no3 is unknown
no fertilization
29g, 25-30 water and filter change every 2 or 3 weeks and 6 zebra danios, 1 female platy, 1 female swordtail, 1 painted tetra

[Blinky]

With 0.7WPG, my first thought is the plants might be struggling because there's not enough light. They could also be experiencing nutrient deficiencies - adding some trace element fertilizer should help with that.
I'm not experienced with any Apongeton species. I looked them up in my encyclopedia and found that the different varieties have different requirements when it comes to light (some need bright tanks, but others prefer subdued lighting), but many tend to have growth spurts and then either slow down or die off and then regrow.
If it's possible to add more light to the tank, that should help - most plants need at least 1 - 1.5WPG to grow well. Adding nutrients will also benefit the plants and help them recover.
Hopefully someone experienced with these plants can add more information about their specific needs :)

[Obsidian]

5 Aponogeton plants
20 watt fourescent light
neutural ph and kh and no3 is unknown
no fertilization
29g, 25-30 water and filter change every 2 or 3 weeks and 6 zebra danios, 1 female platy, 1 female swordtail, 1 painted tetra


Ah... what kind of aponogeton do you have? There are at least 3 different varieties, each with their own demands. If it is turning yellow, it often is a sign of iron deficiency. I don't have any of those kinds of plants. But 20 watts for a 29 gallon tank is really not adequate for most plants. I would suggest you get a chelated iron fertilizer or substrate tabs.

For plants to grow, they need CO2, light, and proper water temp. If one or more of these is deficient, photosynthesis will be limited. Also, they do need supplemental trace elements... iron, magnesium, potassium, etc.

[TPIRman]

You'd have to take care of the lights before you worry about fertilizer -- if you add ferts to this setup, you'll only be growing algae. You might want to look into a compact fluorescent setup, keeping in mind that you'll need a little extra light (don't go overboard) because this is a somewhat tall tank.

But definitely get lights in order before anything else. Check www.tropica.com or online plant stores for some pictures of aponogetons so that you can figure out which one you have and research its needs.

HTH and good luck!