Double Check My Assumptions?

[UncleMike]

I've had tanks my whole life, but have only really put my all into this last one. I've decided to go all-natural and as best I can stick to the Amazon or at least South America.

Here's what I've got:

20g high aquarium with two 15w tubes, one a FloraPride 2800K in back and one a CoraLife 50% natural daylight 6000K/50% actinic 03 blue.

Dark brown substrate with laterite, pretty heavily planted with Java Fern, swords, hairgrass and some various carpets.

Penguin biowheel 200 filter with one filterpack.

Tetra Whisper submersible heater for 30-60 gallon aquariums.

5 peppered corys
3 oto cats
4 German Blue Rams

My plants just aren't growing very well, and stem plants won't grow at all. No matter what. I've also got some algae problems.

Here's what I'm thinking:

The 6000K light is the wrong temp for the tank and I should be adding CO2 to the mix for my plants, as well as possibly some more wattage, although the tank looks awful bright.

Eventually I would like to get a school of neons in there, perhaps 15 or so, but that might just be too much for this size tank. Whaddya think?

Thanks
~Mike

 

[UncleMike]

Did I do something wrong? Was there a protocol I failed to follow?

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Hold up a bit. Most of us on here are not very knowledgeable when it comes to plants. Someone who can help you out will definitely come by, so just be a bit patient.

The moss (I take it it is java moss) takes a while to settle in before growing, and java ferns are slow growers at all times. Therefore, that might explain why they aren't growing.

I realize that this isn't the most helpful reply, but I didn't want you giving up on us already.

 

[UncleMike]

Hold up a bit. Most of us on here are not very knowledgeable when it comes to plants. Someone who can help you out will definitely come by, so just be a bit patient.

The moss (I take it it is java moss) takes a while to settle in before growing, and java ferns are slow growers at all times. Therefore, that might explain why they aren't growing.

I realize that this isn't the most helpful reply, but I didn't want you giving up on us already.

Cool. Just want to make sure I didn't do something wrong.

No moss though. I don't have moss.

 

[Graeme Edwards]

Can you give us your tank dimentions?

Im guessing that you dont add liquid fertilizer to your water regularly (?) this is an important part of growing plants depending on what your trying to grow.Your substrate should be okay!

The other is the light you have, dont worry about the kalvin rating its below 8000K so its fine. Your problem will either be not enough,not reflected and the depth of the tank. If the the tank is deep then you will need to up the Watts or add reflectors do maximise what you do have already.The deeper that tank the stronger the light is needed!

Co2 will be a deffinate benefit even in low light tanks, this will also help to get over your alage problem 25-30ppm is a good target.

Keep on top over your water quality,50% water change every week is good enough, the smaller the tank the more frequent the water changes are needed.

Keep your filter in tip top condition and try and boost your biological media ( add more if possible )!

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Graeme.

 

[Themuleous]

You also need to ask yourself what sort of tank you want and this basically comes down to high-light/tech or low-light/tech.

High - massive plant growth, lots of light, lots of CO2 and ferts, lots of maintenance (trimming back the plants!) and its quite expensive.

Low - less of everything, but then less plant growth and so maintenance, but you can still achieve a great scape, it might just take longer.

Sam

 

[UncleMike]

Dimensions of the tank are 17"H X 24"W X 12"D

I use a liquid fert including a blackwater extract.

So, what kind of WPG would you recommend? I don't need this thing to be high-tech and growing a mile a minute, but I also would like to control the algae and not have plants die on me.

Thanks!
~Mike

 

[Graeme Edwards]

Youve got 1.4WPG at the moment, thats fine for low light plants. If your happy with this make sure you have low light plants, if their NOT then that may be your problem.
DIY Co2 will definatly help with the algae you have, but like i say, get your water and filter tip top as well and you shouldnt have any problems.

Moody!