Help w/ dying plants

[elijahjallen]

So I am new to aquatic plants, I have been in the hobby for sometime with plastic plants. I have a 55 gallon tank that has been set up for about 2 months. I have a java fern and 2 other plants that I am still trying to identify. But they are all starting to turn brown and one of the leaves is actually translucent now. What am I doing wrong. I noticed the problem about 2 weeks ago and I upgraded from standard bulbs that came in my 55 gallon kit to 2 aqua-glo 15w 18,000 k lights. I have also been feeding my plants with API LeafZone 25 ml per week.

The only thing I can think of is maybe I dont have strong enough lights for the plants. I am on a 12 hour cycle for the lights. I have excessive algea problem. I have though about Co2 injection, but I am not sure if I am ready to take that step this soon.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[IceH2O]

You only have 30 watts over 55 gallons. Thats just a tad over a half watt per gallon. Not much will grow under that lighting though some low light plants are out there. Java Fern being one of them.

This link will help you find low light plants. Just use the drop down box on the top left and look under low
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/plantfinder/index.php

Another problem is the 18,000 k ...Plants prefer between 6500 - 10,000 K.

 

[John N.]

APC's plantfinder is a good resource to find plants for your taste and particular setup.
ICEH20 is correct that you have too little light above your 55 gallon. Consider replacing the lights with an ahsupply.com 2x55w kit. You want to shoot for 2.0 wpg to grow plants well, and also to open up the field of which plants you can grow. However with more light you also will need to consider adding CO2 and ferts or you will see algae taking over your tank. Gregwatson.com is a good resource for dry fertilizers.

Upgrade your lights to be able to sustain some of your plants that you currently have. Java fern will grow/survive in low light conditions. In your current light setup you can also probably sustain anubias, crypts and mosses.

-John N.