Having a few issues. Need some advice - General Aquarium Plants Discussions

RedDelPaPa · 07-04-2005, 12:42 PM

Hello all.

I seem to be having a few issues with a few plants in my all-glass 75gal low tech tank. My straight Val is still hanging on, and it's still real green near its base, but it's producing new leaves very slowly, and shortly after, the newly grown leaves are dying and decaying. I'm seeing similar things from my hornwort too. It is growing, but about a 1 foot back from its new growth, it's turning pale, and having a hard time keeping boyancy. However, my corkscrew val seems to be doing great. It's producing runners like there's no tomorrow, and it's green, full, and hasn't had any leaves decaying. What is causing my problem?

This tank has a twin tube 48" all-glass strip light. With 1 40watt penn plax aquari lux T10 tube, and one Phillips colortone 40watt T12 tube. 80 watts total.
No CO2, PH = 7.8. I haven't run any other tests, but our water here is very hard and alkaline. Flourite substrate, no ferts added, weekly 10% water changes.

I'm not interested in cluttering up my setup with CO2 injection. I'm happy with slow growth. As long as it's steady progress.

Thanks for any help,
Red

trenac · 07-04-2005, 04:20 PM

The main thing I see is your not adding ferts, you still need to add some ferts in a low tech tank. I would suggest Seachem Flourish, Seachem micros and Excel for a carbon source.

Since you have a low light tank you need to be careful at what plants you choose, also consider the depth of a 55G tank. Some Vals prefer a little more light than what you have. Is the Hornwort floating or planted?

RedDelPaPa · 07-04-2005, 06:14 PM

Hi, and thank you for the reply.

My hornwort is left floating. So do you think I shoudl add more light? Or just try adding ferts first and see what happens?

Thanks,
Red

chiahead · 07-04-2005, 10:47 PM

well, I think ur lighting is too low. Its barely 1 wpg and a regular flourescent at that. I do also think u need some ferts, but very little due to the low lighting and no Co2. Take it very slowly or your putting yourself in an algae position. Good luck!

azfishguy · 07-05-2005, 12:00 AM

Seems like micro nutrient deficiency. Try Flourish Trace Elements or TMG in small amounts. I'd also up the lights just a bit and try adding some Flourish Excel if you don't want to mess with CO2.