Recently I posted about finding it difficult to grow crypts. I still haven't found any improvement in my crypts. I was wondering if the wood I have in my aquarium is affecting growth. All my other plants grow well, but the crypts don't grow very well, eg dwarfed and some like pondederifolia die away. So does anyone have any thoughts about the wood?
wood affecting plant growth
- Thread starter leanixon
- Start date
I have driftwood in my tanks and my crypts grow fine. what's the lighting like?
I know in my low light tanks..the crypts actually grow better.
in my high light tanks..they do't fare so well.
so I moves them to areas where the light is more subdued..(by other plants.)
time will tell since crypts seem to grow slow and it's only been a couple weeks since the move.
I know in my low light tanks..the crypts actually grow better.
in my high light tanks..they do't fare so well.
so I moves them to areas where the light is more subdued..(by other plants.)
time will tell since crypts seem to grow slow and it's only been a couple weeks since the move.
Hang on, let me put on my helemt- causeI know whats coming after I post this.
Try adding gravel ferts. Place fert tab under the plants put them down to the bottom glass. I use Jobes fern and palm spikes cut into smaller size (adding kevlar vest now too). Do not disturb the substrate after using gravel ferts.
Try adding gravel ferts. Place fert tab under the plants put them down to the bottom glass. I use Jobes fern and palm spikes cut into smaller size (adding kevlar vest now too). Do not disturb the substrate after using gravel ferts.
give em time..I found that it took a bit of time for the crypts to get established..they will even melt back sometimes when moved.
I'd say you can totally rule out the wood as a problem and rather focus on the nutrients etc for the plants.
Regards,
Tom Barr
Regards,
Tom Barr
OK I think now wood is not the problem. My crypts have been in the tank for months and some for years. A local fish shopkeeper enthusiast has sold me some 'Tropic Marin' mineral powder especially for raising DH and KH because my levels are too low. He also said my wood isn't the problem but couldn't give me a definite solution as to why my crypts weren't doing well. I add fertilizer regularly, also substrate fertilizer and I add carbon dioxide too. All my other plants like vallisneria, tiger lilies, anubias nana, ludwiga, dwarf hairgrass grow profusely. Only one problem I feel I have is that dark green 'tuft algae' grows all over the wood, some of the anubias nana and around the base of my crypts which I don't like (could be an indication of something not quite right.) Otherwise, I am at a loss as to the reason why my crypts don't grow. The 4ft tank is lit by 3x42inch tubes which I have on in different combinations just to vary the quality of light. Any thoughts?
Well first be assured that wood does not stunt plant growth, so forget that.
Secondly, you have algae tufts...so your CO2 is too low and you ferts inbalanced. That is the problem that needs to be addressed. I would never add any boosters and equilibrators...there are ways to do things without complicating your picture. Aslo note that crypts take quite a long time to bounch back after being disturbed. Plant them where you want them , then leave them alone.
Can you tell me something about your water parameters and specs?
I would stay away for Jobes spikes in an aquarium...you are asking for a green water bloom and trouble with your bottom feeders..like loaches, corys...etc. If you feel the need to use any root ferts...I suggest a seachem or ADA type.
Secondly, you have algae tufts...so your CO2 is too low and you ferts inbalanced. That is the problem that needs to be addressed. I would never add any boosters and equilibrators...there are ways to do things without complicating your picture. Aslo note that crypts take quite a long time to bounch back after being disturbed. Plant them where you want them , then leave them alone.
Can you tell me something about your water parameters and specs?
I would stay away for Jobes spikes in an aquarium...you are asking for a green water bloom and trouble with your bottom feeders..like loaches, corys...etc. If you feel the need to use any root ferts...I suggest a seachem or ADA type.
I have seen crypts that would not grow for a long time. They sometimes like to put out long roots before they put out more leaves. I would be patient and let them alone for while. Meanwhile you could find something that will eat the fuzz algae. Snails, young SAE or something like that. You could take the wood out and bleach it. I suppose if the anubias is attached you might have to be careful but you could lightly bleach it also.
Snails are a good indicator of low calcium. If their shells are not healthy you can see you need to add calcium. Crytps are said to need calcium rich water. You might try adding more if you are not now.
Snails are a good indicator of low calcium. If their shells are not healthy you can see you need to add calcium. Crytps are said to need calcium rich water. You might try adding more if you are not now.
I'm not sure if anything can eat this tuft algae. I have some siamensis(I think they're the proper ones) and some bristle nose catfish, apart from them I'm finally thinking of scrubing the wood clean cutting off the anubias nana leaves with the algae on and picking off the algae from around the crypt roots. I know crypts have to be left a long time, but these have been in there years. I'm not sure what the water parameters are apart from the KH and GH. KH=2 GH=0
This is why I've put in some 'Tropic marin' mineral powder.
This is why I've put in some 'Tropic marin' mineral powder.