Activated Carbon And Plants

[highfire]

I have done a search on this but couldn't find the answer, so apologies if it has been covered and I've missed it.

I have a planted tank (see below for current occupants) and have noticed that recently some of the plants have been struggling to really grow and the leaves have been yellowing. I've had to remove a couple completely because they were just about dead. I know that there is some nibbling going on, which is to be expected, but could the activated carbon in my Fluval Biolife filter have anything to do with the deterioration in my plants?

A couple of species are growing well, and have even needed a pruning here and there, but others have simply given up. I have just started using Interpet Flora Boost (gave the first dose yesterday) so I am hoping that will help a little.

I have the tank lights on from 9.15 am - 7.45 pm.

Water stats:
PH: 7.0-7.5
Amonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 20-50

Any help appreciated!

 

[Themuleous]

Sorry to be lazy, but have a read of this article from the The krib

Sam

PS - think I might put this in my sig as this question comes up a lot!

EDIT - just read it in more detail and I what a machine that does -> inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry!!!