Plants losing leaves.. help!

[StLouisan]

I've checked my water parameters: NO3, PO4, KH, GH, CO2, NH4, pH, and they all seem fine, except for Fe, which is low(getting fixed). I haven't had any problems with the water and I've been using the same regimen for water changing.

Lately, I noticed some plants getting holes in the leaves and then the whole leaf detaches, just floating in the water or stuck to the filter intake. This is just the broader leaved plants. Some of the finer leaved plants just decompose near the base(Myriophyllum sp?). Overall, I thought that the leaves farthest away from the lighting was shedding, but now some the of the new growth is getting holes in them. I'll have find out what plant in particular it is( a red bacopa sp.), but it should normally be red. It's done fine for a while but now it's been turned orangy-bronzy and is the main culprit of the holes in the new leaves.

I'm thinking there is a deficiency in Fe that causing the yellowing, but what about the holes? I've read that is a K+ deficiency.

Can anyone offer any hints? I've just combatted a small algae outbreak too :(

[John N.]

Sounds like a potassium (K+) deficiency, increase your KNO3 dosage if you are dosing that. Some test kits are inaccurate, especially iron (fe) and aren't very good indicators of nutrient levels.

-John N.

[StLouisan]

Thanks for your quick response. I don't have a K+ test, is there such thing as too much much K+?

What's a good brand to get one? They're pricey, but I guess I'll have to splurge

[djlen]

K test kits not too expensive but much too difficult to interpret. Don't bother.
K+ refers to adding extra K to the water table, which you may or may not need to do.
What is your lighting situation and what kind of broad leaf plants are having this problem?
Is the tank heavily stocked with fish?

Len

[StLouisan]

I have a 36G bowfront, lit up by 2x65W Orbit PC. One bulb is timed for about 12hrs with the second one timed for about 6hrs midday.

Plants? hmm I'll ahve to get back on that one. I forgot them! I know I have Cabomba caroliana, Anacharis, a couple Bacopa sp. and Echinodorus of some sort, not sure. I'm also experimenting with some Limnophillia aromatica for fun. I didn't put much thought into which is compatible with what, I just chose what I liked at the LFS.

The tank is stocked with one angel, one female betta, 9 rummy noses, 4 otos.

Here's a pic for your IDing pleasure. This was taken a couple of weeks ago. It's filled in nicely since then, except for what's happening now.

Critique is always helpful; tell me what I'm doing wrong! LOL

:shark:

[djlen]

"I've checked my water parameters: NO3, PO4, KH, GH, CO2, NH4, pH, and they all seem fine, except for Fe, which is low(getting fixed). I haven't had any problems with the water and I've been using the same regimen for water changing."

You don't say anything about quantity of NO3; PO4; CO2ppm. When and how much of these do you dose? Injected or DIY CO2 and what ppm do you maintain?
You don't mention trace elements. Do you dose any?

How long has your tank been set up? The things you describe could be due to a few possibilities, including new plants adapting to your tank's environment, lack of traces or too little K as mentioned above. Or too little of any of the elements. We will know more when you let us know what you're dosing.

"I'm thinking there is a deficiency in Fe that causing the yellowing, but what about the holes? I've read that is a K+ deficiency."

If you're not dosing traces, you are not dosing any Fe. I don't think it's necessary to dose a good trace mix and also extra Fe.

With your fish load you can dose plenty of KNO3 and that will supply enough K and N to support your plants. IMO, K2SO4 or similar are not necessary.

Len