Fertilizer Question

[Barlow]

Hi all.

I've recently switched to real plants although so far I've had fairly mixed results. Some seem to be dying (especially my Amazon Swords) but some plants are doing fairly well (although they're hardly flourishing).

My tank is 60 litres and has two 15 watt, 18 inch lights. I've got a sand substrate, below which is a layer of fertilizer (I can't remember the type).

My question is whether I need to add more fertilizers to my tank, and if I do, which ones?

I have heard that Tropica Plant Nutrition Plus is very good but do I need that considering I've got a thick layer of fertilizer under my sand? And should I think about adding Flourish Excel or is that unnecessary as my tank isn't very heavily planted?

Alternatively am I just being impatient and should I accept that my plants will take a long time to grow and that some will die?

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks
Jon

 

[RadaR]

Tropica Plant Nutrition Plus is good and you can use it regardless of whats under your sand. Getting this is the first step.
I would consider dosing Excel worth it.
Dose these each day, perform 25-50% water changes a week and you should get good results. The only thing that you might need to keep a close eye on is the flow that your filter is producing. It may not be enough, in which case a powerhead would help you out.
Also, get as many plants as you can, all fast growers.
Have your lights on 8-10hours a day.

 

[mooey65]

Am new to planted tanks iv got naff all under my sand and I do not fancy taking it all out will the plants be ok just in the sand.
Also how can I feed them?

 

[RadaR]

Am new to planted tanks iv got naff all under my sand and I do not fancy taking it all out will the plants be ok just in the sand.
Also how can I feed them?

Yes, the plants can be fine without a nutrient base. Plants quite happily absorb all they need through their leaves.
Best all round, all in one fertiliser is Tropica Plant Nutrition +.
The "+" version contains trace elements but also nitrogen and phosphorus which plants need.
Therefore with the correct dosage each day, you wont need a nutrient base. No need to rip up the sand, woop.

 

[mooey65]

Sound good thank you I just wanted to help them along.