My Plants Are Struggling

[aaronnorth]

Where have you read that?
There have been experiments showing it depends entirely on the plant, with some prefering uptake through the roots (aka the "heavy root feeders") and some prefer leaf uptake (stem plants mainly) - This of course does not mean they won't use both sources.
It has also been found that root uptake is much quicker than leaf uptake.

AKA Heavy root feeders?? I thought this was disproved a few years ago, as above from the quote from Tom Barr, they will use either from experiments done. There really isn't such thing as a 'Heavy root feeder', we know the plants will take from either or, they will adapt to which ever. As i previously say, the water column extends into the substrate anyways. There are plenty of people growing crypts and swords perfectly in inert substrate, with 'good' (is this a poor usage of word?) water column dosing.

The 'plant will use less energy absorbing nutrients from leaves' is from also from the same experiments quoted by Tom Barr. Also you will read that 'some root feeders' grow the large roots just for anchorage during wet seasons.

and how is 'good' a poor word to use Aaron? In future should we be using the word 'mediocre or poor'?

I tried to word it sarcastically, lol, I know there isnt such a thing I was agreeing with you
I put 'AKA' and speech marks around "heavy root feeders" so people understand that this actually relates to and means "they prefer nutrient uptake through the roots"

I think my point is proven by eaglesaquarium as he didnt understand what was meant by a "good substrate". If snowflake has said "nutrient rich substrate" then I am sure everyone would know what was meant. I'm not saying never use it, but putting:
"Good light, co2, and plant substrate is what you need for plants." isn't really helpful is it? This means nothing, have you ever said this to a person and they understood what you meant? I could answer everyones questions in 2 seconds if it was that easy! haha.

If I was asking a question and I put My plant is dying, but I have good lighting, good substrate, good fertilisation and good CO2 you would immediatley reply with "we need more info than that to help" would you not?

You know your stuff, so I can see why you probably understood what was meant, I did too, but when someone who doesnt have a clue about planted aquariums asks a question it isnt really appropiate to answer in that way.

"Good" doesnt have any values attached, it is just there for descriptive purposes which isnt good in science... nor is the word 'amount' which bugs me lol, although you can guarantee I still use it lol.

One source says that sand is great for plants, as detritus sits on the top and is easily vacuumed off without disturbing the roots.
Another source says that sand is bad, because it can lead to anaerobic conditions and lead to a Hydrogen Sulfide build-up, which could be released if disturbed - obviously detrimental to the fish.

One source says that gravel is better because you can get into the substrate to pull out extra detritus that builds up on the bottom. But, then a contradictory reason for gravel is that detritus can get into the substrate near plant roots, and some plants prefer that.

Like everything they both have their advantages & disadvantages, but as Radar says the air pockets are also highly overestimated in the fact that they are very toxic, as soon as the hydrogen sulphide hits the water it is immediatley oxidised, it may have en effect if a large pocket is released right next to a bottom feeder as it can draw all the O2 away, but I'm sure it can move within a second to another highly oxygenated part of the tank

Sand would be better for your cats, but I have kept them on small sized gravel before without problems.

Thanks, Aaron

 

[ian]

*hides in corner*

sorry Aaron.