Helping Plants Survive

[Gnatfish]

Hello

I have had my tank for a bit now, and the first set off plants, that I ordered online didn't really do that well. I didn't fertilise back then and my lighting was 30 watts for 15 Uk gallons which i think comes to about 2 WPG. Also I heard that there was no need for extra CO2 becasue of the low light.

The plants I had back then were:

Cryptocoryne willisii
Hygrophila difformis *
Hygrophila polysperma *
Bacopa monnieri *
Some amazon sword

I started of doing weekly water changes of 20% but then i started to do 25% due to the algae problems. After a while i started doing fortnightly water changes of 25% and i think this might be one of the reasons the algae grew. I am going to start the weekly water changes again though. Well basically the ones with the star next to them pratically died, and so i have taken them out and planted new ones. I have now got a Java Fern on a rock, and a Anubias barteri. Which are ment to be good in low light unlike the ones that died that apparently need bright light.

You can see from my signature what plants I want to add. And it would be nice if i was able to keep these ones alive.

Oh and i am hoping to add some type of reflectors, someone on the chat told my about mylar

My questions are:

Is there anyway i can increase my light without adding more tubes, what you think about mylar?
Do i need CO2 with 2WPG?
Do you like my new selection of plants?
Shall i start using liquid fertiliser? I am scared that it will encourage the algae growth
Whats the best way to get string type algae of plants and wood?
If i take some of the bogwood out to clean will i have to move the fish?
Do the fish mind me puting my hands in the tank to plant and to take out algae?

Sorry for so many questions

Thanks

Gnatfish

 

[Luke_e]

I'm still learning but a good way to improve the effectivness of you're lighting is to buy reflectors.
http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/Z045149.asp#product334

You should had to move the fish to take the bogwood out, just make sure you dont hit them when you take it out hehe..

Fish wont mind you putting you're hand in the tank, as long as you dont make sudden movements or frighten them they should be fine..

I think c02 can be effective at any wpg, maybe not as much was higher wpg but every little helps..

Cant help you on any of the others qns as i'm still in the early stages of mine.

 

[George Farmer]

Is there anyway i can increase my light without adding more tubes, what you think about mylar?

Reflectors are better.

Do i need CO2 with 2WPG?

No but it will help growth and minimise algae.

Do you like my new selection of plants?

Yes. The hygros in particular are great for busting algae. The Bacopa likes hard water.

Shall i start using liquid fertiliser? I am scared that it will encourage the algae growth

With your lighting and no CO2 then minimal ferts are required. A standard off-the-shelf will work fine.

Whats the best way to get string type algae of plants and wood?

I don't understand. If you want to get rid of algae then read the algae article.

If i take some of the bogwood out to clean will i have to move the fish?

No.

Do the fish mind me puting my hands in the tank to plant and to take out algae?

They don't like it but these things are necessary sometimes.

 

[Themuleous]

Go George! saved me doing it cheers

 

[Gnatfish]

Hey thanks both of you

I'm hoping to invest in some reflectors and maybe a Nutrafin CO2 ladder now.

Also

Do you like my new selection of plants?

Yes. The hygros in particular are great for busting algae. The Bacopa likes hard water.

Those were the ones that died, what do you think of the new plants i'm putting in? There in my signature.

Thanks

Gnatfish

 

[George Farmer]

what do you think of the new plants i'm putting in? There in my signature.

I'd recommend adding more fast growers to help combat potential algae. Check out the algae article for suggestions.

 

[Gnatfish]

Thanks for the help

I'd recommend adding more fast growers to help combat potential algae. Check out the algae article for suggestions.

I understand that slower growing plants produce less alleochemicals meaning more algae. Would a Hygrophila plant work in my tank with the lighting 2 WPG, now i have bought some reflectors and am going to start fertilising.

Thanks

 

[George Farmer]

Would a Hygrophila plant work in my tank

Yes

 

[Gnatfish]

Cool, i'll try again with it