What is wrong with my Java Fern?

Stefanie

Stefanie

AC Members
Jan 12, 2005
119
0
16
Maryland
My fern used to do so well, but I stopped dosing ferts, because I had a little battle with algae, trying to starve it. It is under control now, but every time I add Flourish the algae comes back, so I guess it is the wrong fertilizer for my needs. All the new growth on my fern turned more yellowish in color, visible nerves, and the tips turn a dark green, but transparent. What deficiency could this be? It looks like iron to me, but I am not sure... I am very new to keeping plants....
I hope someone can give me advise, then I could buy a fertilizer that only adds what the plant needs, instead of Flourish.
I attached a few pictures (quality not too good).
Thank you!!

PS: My Amazon sword was doing really well, too... lots of new leaves growing, but now the new leaves seem to be melting away...

javafern.jpg javafern2.jpg javafern3.jpg
 
The problem is easy to 'see'. The plants have a serious case of the blurrrrrrrrs:).
Just kidding Steph. I just got home from work. It's 2:17am and my eyes might be blurry, but I can't see the plants in the pictures at all.
Seems like I spend all my reply time asking for more info. but without knowing your tank's parameters, number of fish, lighting etc., I'd be shooting in the dark to try and help at this point.
I does sound like a nutrient deficiency however. Please supply more info. and maybe some clearer(is that a word) pictures.

Len
 
flourish is a trace nutrient mix. Without adequate sources of the major nutrients, ie N itrogen, P hosphorus, and K potassium, you will get algae because the plants don't have what they need.

you can't starve algae without killing your plants as far as nutrients go.

you need to feed the plants the main nutrients named above, befor adding flourish will do anything for your plants.

There are comercial products that have what your plants need to grow or you can purchase things diy style.

plants need to be fed to grow just like fish. it is just a different kind of feeding than you do for fish.

Search this site for more on plants and ask questions about the stuff you don't understand. Algae can be troubling but I have learned to feed the plants to the point that I have a tanks with no noticable algae.
 
Thank you both for your replies. Unfortunately I could not get any better pics.
I did a lot more reading now, and I believe my major problem is my N to P ratio... my tap water contains P (added to protect pipes) but no detectable N. Also, I tested P on different days from the tap and it fluctuates a lot. I will try to buy some stump remover to add N to about 10 ppm with my water changes, Fleet Enema if needed for PO4 to 1ppm and NoSalt for K.
Then I will try some more. I guess it is all about trial and error to find the correct balance.
 
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