Cannot Keep My Vallis Alive...

[timmystood]

Hi All

I'm not really a plant man, either in the garden or in the aqaurium but i've always tried. I recently got some brand new Vallis from my LFS after a failed attempt at keeping java moss. I cannot seem to keep it alive, why is this?

It gets light for 13 hours a day. The water stats are Ammonia 0 and NitrIte 0, the pH is about 8.2.
I also feed the plants in my tank every week as directed on the instructions.

Any ideas why it's struggling to grow?

THANKS
TIM

 

[The-Wolf]

you say it gets light, but how many watts per gallon and what kind of light wavelengt?
also what are your nitrAte(no3) levels?
wha plant food are you useing?

 

[bogwood]

What type of substrate do you have?... does it have an additive such as Laterite?... also is it deep enough for your plants roots to really 'bed' in?...

 

[timmystood]

WoW! OK...

The plant food is Interpet.
I'm unsure of my NitrAte levels because I don't have a test kit because but the tank has been running for nearly 6 months so should be at safe levels.
I use Roman Gravel and around the plants base it is approximatley 10cm deep?

 

[George Farmer]

Hi timmystood

What tank size and lighting do you have; tube(s) make and model? Do you have reflectors?

I'm almost certain your lack of success will be due to a lack of light intensity as Vallis is undemanding in all other aspects, especially as you have hard water which Vallis prefers (judging by your pH).

13 hours photoperiod is excessive and will contribute to algae. Plants generally require 10 hours max.

10cm depth substrate also concerns me. Unless you have plenty of plant growth then a depth of 10cm will promote excessive anaerobic build-up, resulting in toxic Hydrogen sulphide production.