Lighting Queries

[hensonc4098]

Hi all

I've had little success with growing plants in my 10g tank, well, the Amazon Sword is doing well sending out new leaves and the Vallis is ok, but any kinds of stem plants that I try just die off... I dose EasyCarbo when I remember (lol ) but I don't have a kindof substrate - just sand. To combat this though, I use root tabs underneath the plants. I don't dose ferts.

I was wondering if the misfortune of my plants was maybe caused by poor lighting, as when the stem plants died, the leaves at the bottom came off but the very top was ok, or it would melt off at the bottom. I have the tube that came with the tank in it which is a 14W T8 Sun-Glo (15"). My dad said I should try a Triton tube because according to him, the UV wavelength is better for growing plants? I have no idea

Wondering what you guys suggest?

Thanks

~ Claire ~

 

[hensonc4098]

Bump

 

[drobbyb]

Try posting in the planted section. More plant people watch that forum.

 

[fatheadminnow]

Sounds like to me you have a nutrient deficiency? It is important to find a schedule of dosing ferts and stick to it!

Your lighting is pretty good for a low-tech planted tank, so don't worry about that.

How long do you keep your lights on for?

A planted substrate would help, but nonetheless, the sand you have should not be killing off the plants.

-FHM

 

[Truck]

how much Easy carbo do you dose a day?

 

[hensonc4098]

Thanks guys

I know I should really sort out some ferts What ferts would you recommend that isn't too dear?

I dose 1ml a day at the moment as I don't have many plants - only a few vallis and a couple of Amazon Swords.

Thanks again!

~ Claire ~

 

[hensonc4098]

Forgot to say - the lights are on for 6 hours per day

 

[snowflake311]

What kind of stem plants?

Stem plants in general take up nutrition from the ground. So with out good base substrate they might not do well. Lighting plays a part too. With smaller tanks they need more watts it's confusing.

Try water sprite. It grows fast looks good fine in low light and you can float it or plant it.

I would listen to you dad. T8 are not that good.