Plants Not Growing, Looking For A Solution

[KrystaK]

I have three planted tanks, and in each, the plants aren't growing. For the most part they are decaying - which isn't nice to look at.
I've been searching for solutions and I've come to the conclusion that it's a lack of CO2 that is my problem.
 
I don't want to go through the hassle of a DIY CO2 unit, nor do I want to want to spend the money on an actual unit.
 
I found this: API CO2 Plant booster,http/www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11785682
And I was wondering if people thought it would bring my plants back. I'm tempted to buy a bottle just to try on one of my tanks to see if it helps.... Does anyone have an opinion? 

 

[stanleo]

What kind of plants do you have and what kind of lighting?
 
My lights are 2 T5 Colormax bulbs one is a daylight bulb and one is a grow bulb that is for plants and the photo period is 8.5 hours a day. I have anubis, amazon swords, some type of grass and a rosette style plant that I don't know the name of. I dose with liquid carbon and iron once a week and my plants do really well like this with no CO2 added. I know some plants need the CO2, just steer clear of these kind of plants. Hope that helps. Some plants also need more light. I think I just got lucky with all of my choices cause I don't really know what the heck I am doing!

 

[silenthawk2x3]

Plants aren't all easy to grow and beautiful planted tanks that people always show off are hard to get your first time with plants. It's often slow going and takes a lot of work and dedication. That being said, I have FANTASTIC luck with plants. Chances are if you just bought the plants they are adjusting to their new environment with different water parameters and lighting. If the plants have ANY new growth they should come back and live, if they have good roots they should also come back. They might just be melting because they're in a new tank. If not you should look at substrate and lighting. I don't feed my plants liquid carbon or have CO2 injectors and I have quite beautiful healthy plants. I do have great lighting and a dirted tank though. Plants deserve research just like fish do. Research your plants before you buy them. It could save you a lot of heartache and money!

 

[KrystaK]

I have Amazon sword, Java Fern, Rotalla, and a variety of Valisneria, as well as some floating Horn wart. I have a full spectrum light in each tank and depending on if I'm home the light will run from 4-12 hours. It's a pretty vague light schedule but there really isn't much of a schedule to it. Now that I'm on summer the lights will probably stay on longer Which may help.
I dose with Seachem Flourish in all tanks once weekly, and they're not growing.
 
I bought some in March, but they have had a month + to recover, while other plants I've had for even longer. I think I will go out and buy a bottle and see if it helps. 

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

I do not have "green fingers" in the slightest (my various Anubias; Java Fern; Windelov Fern; Echinodorus rose plus bleheri; Cambomba... just abut survive), but I suspect that your excessive lighting period will not be helping, unless you are providing plenty of liquid ferts and a carbon source.
 
Not all plants are quick growers, but out of your list I spotted Hornwort, which in the right setup would be growing at silly speeds and providing you with excess to rehome/sell.