Brown spots and decaying plants

Sportsnutim

Sportsnutim

AC Members
Jan 1, 2007
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Western Washington
My live plants aren't doing so well. I put the plants in about a week ago they are for warmer water tanks: getting ready for Discus. All my Nitrates etc are pretty normal and I put the required amount of plant food and lighting for 8-10 hours. I can't figure out why they seem to be dying. I am wondering if they need more that just gravel at the bottom of the tank? I can send pics if needed. Thanks. Tim
 
We're going to need more information. What size of tank, what kind of, and how many plants, what kind of lighting, and how many watts. Any Fish yet? How long has the tank been set up? What are your water parameters? What kind of fertilizers and how are they being dosed. A picture would be wonderful.
 
I will get the info

This isn't all the info but a good start. I have 6 Cardinal tetras in the tank, Nitrates are 0, Nitrites are 0.25, Ammonia 0, PH 6.6. The light is a 50/50 Coralife 48 inchs single bulb 40 watts, 55gal tank, cycling right now, tank temperature is 84 F, tank was started 2 weeks ago plants? Type of plants I will send that later, I will get that info soon and pictures of plants when light turns on: from what I can see the plants are turning yellow now. I am using Florish supplement. Light is on 8-10hrs a day
 
Your light is pretty low. 40 watts of 50/50 will not grow many plants in a 55 gallon tank, if any. What kind of plants do you have, and how much flourish are you using. Also, I think your temp is a little high.
 
I agree. 40 watts of NO light won't cut it for most plants, although you may have some luck with some anubias, java ferns, and possibly crypts. I also have a 55 planted, and I use a Coralife 2x65 watt power compact strip (which still means my tank has only medium light), no CO2 and no ferts, and my plants are doing great. :) If it is possible to upgrade your lighting, you will have many more options available to you as far as what plants you can keep.
 
I have about the same lighting as you and have had java fern, cryps, vals, anarachis, wisteria, pennywort, and anubias growing well but not very much. They are staying green however. My anubias was turning brown then was yellowing. Remove the leaves so the decay does not spread.

In my experience, with that low of light it is best to try out a few plants and see what works and what does not. They are never any gaurantees.
 
Where to purchase correct light and bulbs?

I live in Western Washington does anyone know or maybe a website to find what I need? I do have arubias, Aponoteton, Boivilicuis, Marti Ruffle.
 
You didnt mention anything about co2. I am definatly no expert but I researched some diy co2 setups and when I added this to my tank my plants took off like wildfire!
 
Sportsnutim said:
I live in Western Washington does anyone know or maybe a website to find what I need? I do have arubias, Aponoteton, Boivilicuis, Marti Ruffle.
Click to expand...

I cant find an "arubias" or a "Boivilcuis". The Marti Ruffle is a meduim/high light and will probably need co2. There are many different kinds of Aponotetons, some are higher light and some are lower. If you want a hight light tank then you are going to need around 3 watts per gallon, a good fertilizer regimen, and co2 injection. Here is a site with aquatic plants and their needs:

http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide.php

There are several different sizes and types of lighting you can use. Standard fluorescent T-5 Fluorescent and Compact fluorescent. Many people use T-%'s and CF's (Compact fluorescents) on higher light tanks.Here are a few sites that you can get them at.

http://www.webaquatics.com/
http://www.aquacave.com/
http://www.bigalsonline.com/

I would start out at around 1 1/2 to 2 watts per gallon of light to start with and work your way up if you want. Lower light tanks are less work, in my opinion.
 
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