Help With My Dieing Plants

[brooksie]

My plants keep turning brown and falling apart. I have used some plant food but. alone it doesn't do the trick. I was told to get a CO2 plant system and get more light wattage. Does the CO2 system change the chemistry of the water for example the PH? Can I test the water to see if I have any CO2? I'm not sure what it all means. Does the CO2 affect the fish in any way? I have a 30-gallon fresh tank with live bearers and tetras. Thanks

 

[panboy]

Do you know how many watts per gallon you have?

A co2 system will help if your light wattage is high enough, around 2 wpg or higher. co2 will lower your ph, depending how much you put in.

you can test co2 by measuring your ph, and the kh. theres a quick calculation you can do, or search on the internet for a table and it will tell you how much co2 you have. i like this site.... http/www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_co2chart.htm

the co2 shouldnt affect the fish if the levels are below 25-30. you can possible put more than that, but watch the fish for any signs that arent good.

But first, I suggest you check your watts per gallon.
Also, flourite or laterite will help alot for plants

 

[brooksie]

Do you know how many watts per gallon you have?

A co2 system will help if your light wattage is high enough, around 2 wpg or higher. co2 will lower your ph, depending how much you put in.

you can test co2 by measuring your ph, and the kh. theres a quick calculation you can do, or search on the internet for a table and it will tell you how much co2 you have. i like this site.... http/www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_co2chart.htm

the co2 shouldnt affect the fish if the levels are below 25-30. you can possible put more than that, but watch the fish for any signs that arent good.

But first, I suggest you check your watts per gallon.
Also, flourite or laterite will help alot for plants

I have a 30-gallon tank and have the hood and bulb that came with it. I checked and it is a 17 watt bulb. The KH level is 16 and the PH is 7.1. I know I probably need more watts. Do you think more watts with the flourite will be enough or do I need a CO2 system. If it does lower my ph, does a ph stabilizer keep my PH and the current level?

 

[@ombomb]

You need to think carefully about what plants you add to your tank, there are plants that will be OK in there as it is, you just need to make sure you are buying the right sort.

Have a look through this list of low light plants: http/www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_list.p...y=1&filter_by=2