Attempting to convert to planted..

[Newplanter]

Hi

I've been having a look around this site - and the essay on conversion already on this forum (very helpful!) but have a few specific questions that I'm hoping you might be able to help with..

I have a Juwel Vision (bowfront) 260. It currently has 2x T6's (Realux) one plant gro one daylight. They're only 35W but claim to be up to 40% more efficient than T8's (hmmmm). I have juwel reflectors on them.

I have a CO2 unit running (JBL Pro setup).

Sand substrate - and I've put in some capsule ferts.

I dose weekly with plant ferts according to instructions.

I have no pearling and my plants aren't doing so well. They've been in a mixture of time - some a month, some only a couple of weeks.
I have a feeling it's because my lighting just isn't up to the job - it's a big ole tank. Has anyone added extra bulbs to a juwel? And if so - how..?

Plants are:
a) some are reaching for the light with very little growth or 'fullness' further down the stems
B) some died off completely
c) some have tiny holes in the leaves
d) none are 'pearling'
e) some yellowing leaves and prematurely dying back leaves.

So I'm really doing something wrong despite my best attempts!!

Heylp (as Penelope would say)
R

 

[George Farmer]

Welcome to the forum!

Have you read through Dino's thread? http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=100252

It should answer some of your questions.

I'd guess your main problem is lack of light - it is easy to add extra tubes to most Juwels, I've had six in my Rio 125 before (I have 4 now), the tubes simply balance on the centre brace, the cables keep them balanced.

You have pressurized CO2 - what is your CO2 level?