PLEASE HELP!!! PLANTS DYING!!
- Thread starter ara35
- Start date
Phosphates are well known causes of algae growth:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphorus_cycle
The impact of phosphorous and nitrate on algae growth is a common lab to be assigned to students.
Keeping it in balance with the only 2 known plants being bacopa and h. difformis means that there isn't much required for ferts. I have kept both of these plants in outright nasty conditions, and they've thrived. They have a reputation for being easy plants. If there are fish in the tank, phosphate will be coming in from foods. If there are not, the levels in the tap water are still a concern. In most tanks, phosphates are too high, not too low. Saying more should be added when the only emprical evidence (presence of only 2 species of plant that do not require high nutrients to thrive) suggests a lack of requirement is to work solely on conjecture.
So then, as stated before, what else is in the tank?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphorus_cycle
The impact of phosphorous and nitrate on algae growth is a common lab to be assigned to students.
Keeping it in balance with the only 2 known plants being bacopa and h. difformis means that there isn't much required for ferts. I have kept both of these plants in outright nasty conditions, and they've thrived. They have a reputation for being easy plants. If there are fish in the tank, phosphate will be coming in from foods. If there are not, the levels in the tap water are still a concern. In most tanks, phosphates are too high, not too low. Saying more should be added when the only emprical evidence (presence of only 2 species of plant that do not require high nutrients to thrive) suggests a lack of requirement is to work solely on conjecture.
So then, as stated before, what else is in the tank?
But in this case I would say the lack of nutrients is most definitely the problem. Both bacopa and wisteria should be able to grow easily is lower tech conditions. I had both grow like weeds under 2 wpg with no Co or extra ferts...but IMO with that light and no nutrients you'll get more algae without ferts than if you dose. The plants won't be able to grow quick enough to outcompete. Algae doesn't necessarily need the whole package (light, co2, nutrients) in balance like plants do, and they will capitalize when things aren't in order. If the plants are able to use up the nutrients then adding phosphates won't guarantee algae growth. It takes some experimenting to get levels correct, but I think the success stories, as phanmc, stated show that fert dosing does work.
Phosphate uptake is required for encouraging new leaf growth, and is fairly effectively recycled within the plant during maintenance. These plants have grown to the point of emergence, so judging from these guys, phosphate requirements = low. They are also developing a bit of chlorosis that can be either indicative of both excessive phosphate or insufficient nutrients. This is why more information is needed in regards to a phosphate test and a stocking list of plants and fish.
Depending on the stock list, water clarity and tank height, it may be pointless to have co2 in the tank. Then again, it could be a great move and require ferts. We can only assume that it's those two species in the tank based on the evidence provided, though I'd think doing that skims a probablistic fallacy of insufficient sampling.
Really, this entire thread is pointless without more information provided. Well.. unless some one here wants to work out the statistical probability of each occurrence then figure out who's more likely to be right. I'd rather just have the blanks filled in; seems far easier.
Depending on the stock list, water clarity and tank height, it may be pointless to have co2 in the tank. Then again, it could be a great move and require ferts. We can only assume that it's those two species in the tank based on the evidence provided, though I'd think doing that skims a probablistic fallacy of insufficient sampling.
Really, this entire thread is pointless without more information provided. Well.. unless some one here wants to work out the statistical probability of each occurrence then figure out who's more likely to be right. I'd rather just have the blanks filled in; seems far easier.
