Plant Problems (slow Growth, Discoloration,algae)

[errien75]

Howdy, I have a 65 US Gal tank with a 96 watt compact fluorescent bulb, which is about 1.5 WPG and I do not inject CO2, and I add Flourish Excel twice a week. My plants are growing extremely slow if at all, and can't beat the algae or look halfway decent. I've read alot of articles, and I can't seem to find a solution, so I decided to post here.

The new growth on my amazon swords are either transparent or yellow, and the old stems don't grow it seems. The crypt wendtii's are doing pretty well and the dwarf saggitaria is somewhat decent, but nothing spectacular. The algae on my plants looks like white algae, and I don't believe they're eggs from my fish.
I'd just like to know what's going on and how to fix the problem, as this is my first planted tank.

 

[Themuleous]

Sounds like you need a decent fertiliser to help the plants, something like seachem flourish and if Im not mistaken the excel needs to be dosed daily.

Sam

 

[errien75]

ahhh, thanks for the clarification, will try the ferts daily, and then post progress.

 

[Themuleous]

What trace mix are you using?

 

[wei0204]

I would to say you have enough lighting & fertiliser. THe only thing you need is CO2. Try to add a CO2 diffuser & your plants will grow rapidly & greenish instead of yellowish.

 

[Themuleous]

I would to say you have enough lighting & fertiliser. THe only thing you need is CO2. Try to add a CO2 diffuser & your plants will grow rapidly & greenish instead of yellowish.

As far as I can tell they are not using a fertiliser. I would first work on giving the plants water they need nutrient wise before investing in an expensive Co2 system for a 1.5WPG tank.

What substrate do you have errien?

 

[Underwurlde]

Hello!

My 2cents...

Plants stay small / slow or now growth white deposits on leaves (calcium) = CO2 deficiency
Yellowing leaves starting from the tip then become transparent = Iron deficiency
(adding Laterite to the substrate is an excellent natural source of iron)


(I have a list of deficiencies & causes posted in this thread:
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=168322)

Algae = either overfeeding / overstocked or there is an 'imbalance' in the tank. I suspect the latter.

If you are serious about solving these problems, add a CO2 kit (cheapest for that sized tank using 2 Nutrafin CO2 kits would cost less than £40 inc delivery) and then follow the EI route!

Andy

 

[Themuleous]

Co2 probably wont help if there are other issues with the tank, like not supplying the right trace elements.

EI is good, but only for those willing to put in the time, effort and money. Think hard before taking the jump as its not for everyone, and those new to planted tanks might find they get dishearten quickly and loose interest and thats not what we want.

If you do decide to get CO2, then you'll need at least 3 nutrafin units to get anywhere near the right Co2 level in a 65G tank and you could probably get a pressurised system for the same price.

Sam

 

[errien75]

Thanks for all the replies! As for which substrate I use, it's just normal gravel....how difficult would it be (without replanting everything) to mix in Flourite/Laterite, without "disturbing the peace?"

The only current fertilizer I have would be Seachem Flourish, going to to the LFS today to get water tested, and to see what they reccomendas I have yet to buy a kit . The other problem I have is kind've like white fuzz.... on the plants, driftwood and sides of tank....my father said it was from the driftwood "shedding" but am not sure, so going to get that looked at.

I'd do the EI method except I'm mega strapped for cash. No credit card available for online purchases and lights are expensive to get around 3.0 WPG in the US ($260 for a T-5 fixture).

 

[Themuleous]

Flourish is an excellent fert, how often are you using it?

Sam

 

[errien75]

Went to LFS other day, said my levels were way outta whack, so to do water changes fro 3 days straight. I use Seachem Flourish 5ml tw days a week (bottle Recommendation), just picked up Iron as well.