Plants Are Dying In Sand Substrate From Gravel

[Seek]

Hey guys,
 
I recently changed my substrate from gravel to sand and before the change 2 weeks ago my plants were flourishing well. Since changing to sand my Ambulias, Anubias and Swords are all going dark brown and dying quite rapidly. I read everywhere that sand was a great substrate for planted tanks, not sure where I've got wrong? I brought play sand, quite a fine grain but not fine enough to get sucked up my syphon when cleaning.
 
Does anyone have any ideas what could be wrong? Plants have been growing for about 6 months in a cycled tank. So I guess that it must be the sand.
 
Can anyone help me out? Don't want to change back to gravel for plants, loving the sand look. Thanks

 

[KittyKat]

Did you clean the sand and crud off the leaves once the plants were in? If not, the "dust" is probably covering the leaves and cutting off most of the light for the plants.
 
Was the old gravel filthy? If it was, then the new substrate is probably less fertile.

 

[levahe]

Did you only change the gravel?

Do you dose fertilisers?

If you dont dose fertilisers-
Its probably because the gravel you had was 'mature' and the bacteria in it was breaking down organics and uneaten food into things the plants use for food. Now their food source is gone they are starving.

 

[Seek]

Yeah the plants are clean, water is crystal clear. The sand I purchased was prewashed but I still washed it. So I don't think there was much dust if any. 
 
I don't dose fertilisers, I never thought it was necessary since my plants were growing so well before.
 
I think that might be case, how long before my substrate will be mature again? Also is there any chance the plant roots are being staved of oxygen?
 
Just thought I'd add I got a mini cycle after changing substrate as well which caused a few dramas, seems to be stable again now. Made the mistake of changing it all at once.
 
Thanks for the replies to guys 

 

[Fluval-1200]

Play sand is crap it chokes the plants, im in the same situation.

 

[levahe]

The only thing I can suggest at the mo is get some ferts if you can, and do plenty of water changes. Fresh water actually has a lot of things that plants need to grow and stay healthy.

 

[levahe]

Play sand is crap it chokes the plants, im in the same situation.

I know that plenty of people grow plants in playsand without any probs, it might be another problem you are having

 

[Fluval-1200]

Tank has been running 6+ months with play sand, non stop trouble with my plants....ei dosing c02 and high powerd lights. Pull the plants roots are black and smell like death.
Thumbs down on play sand from me

 

[levahe]

Tank has been running 6+ months with play sand, non stop trouble with my plants....ei dosing c02 and high powerd lights. Pull the plants roots are black and smell like death.
Thumbs down on play sand from me

Try less lighting (intensity and duration) high powered lighting is a big reason for unhealthy plants due to the plants requiring large amounts of co2/ferts. If you lower the lighting levels it decreases the demand for co2/ferts. Also make sure you have very good distribution/flow around the tank. You need really good circulation of the water and also try increasing your fert dosing as well. Dose 2x or 1.5x what you are dosing now.
Also make sure your co2 is set up correctly with your drop checker lime green at lights on,

 

[Fluval-1200]

Non of that will cause my roots to die, they are being choked by sand.

 

[levahe]

Try it/don't try it - its up to you but there is no harm in trying and I think you might be pleasantly surprised with the results

 

[Fluval-1200]

I've tried all sorts of things with lighting and ratios, but still doing badly due to plants being choked by sand. Its to fine and goes pretty compact within a couple days.
Even my amazon swords that are heavy rooters...cant root in this sand.

 

[Seek]

Do you stir up your sand on your weekly water change? Could be hydrogen sulphide build up fluval

 

[fluttermoth]

I've grown plants in my playsand tanks with no problems; low tech set ups though.

 

[levahe]

I've tried all sorts of things with lighting and ratios, but still doing badly due to plants being choked by sand. Its to fine and goes pretty compact within a couple days.
Even my amazon swords that are heavy rooters...cant root in this sand.

If you do make a change like lowering the lighting, it can take a long time to see the results - give it a minimum of 4-6 weeks.
Lower lighting, and improving co2/ferts/flow makes a big difference to plant health. dont forget you can supplement gas co2 with liquid co2 to ensure there is enough for the plants.