FishManTy Posted November 23, 2004 Report Share Posted November 23, 2004 Just got a few questions, having a few problems. I have a 5.5 gallon, with a little piece of driftwood, and a few small plants and mosses. I got a small sword (not sure of name, Im not a plant genious), some small val's, some java moss attached to the driftwood, and then some other plant I don't know the name of. These are all basic cheap plants from local petstores, because Im just experimenting as of now. For the lighting, I have some fluorescent bulbs (2 of them at 14watts a piece), a AC mini, a sub. heater at 79 degrees, and a Hagen Natural Plant system (Co2). The plants were growing well, until I decided to add the driftwood about a month ago, and then I had to replace the old bulbs with new ones. I had to buy a new type cause I couldn't remember where the old ones came from. Since then, my algae has been way up, and my plants are turning yellow, shriveling up a bit, and fast. What is going on? Are the lights burning the plants? I need suggestions on how to turn this tank into a masterpiece, before I lose all the plants. I can get a picture soon, I just gotta find my camera... Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtac Posted November 23, 2004 Report Share Posted November 23, 2004 New bulbs have a stronger intensity than old bulbs and that generally is the cause in some algae problems. Next time you replace bulbs, cut the photoperiod back a few hours and then increase every few days until you get back to your regular photoperiod. As for the plants, it seems like to me it's become a water quality issue. Get your water tested and a pic would help too . pH, kH, GH, NO3, PO4 and we'll go from there. Wilson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garhan Posted November 23, 2004 Report Share Posted November 23, 2004 In the meantime increase your W/C to 30% every other day. I agree with wtac on the lights, reduce time of exposure by at least 2-3 hours per day. The yellowing of the leaves and shrivelling maybe an indication of other issues, but first reduce light period and get those W/C going. Garhan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garhan Posted November 23, 2004 Report Share Posted November 23, 2004 Use this info to trouble shoot your tank COMMON SYMPTOMS OF NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY IN AQUATIC PLANTS Element Leaves to first show deficiency Symptom Nitrogen Old Leaves turn yellowish Older leaves die off quickly in extreme deficiencies. Iron New Leaves grow in pale or yellow Greenish nerves enclosing yellow leaf tissue First seen in fast growing plants Potassium Old Pinholes appear in older leaves, and slowly enlarge Yellow areas Withering of leaf edges and tips Calcium New Distorted leaf growth cupped leaves twisted and bent leaves twisted and short roots Damage and die off of growing points Yellowish leaf edges I have seen an extreme Calcium deficiency which resulted in a sword plant where new leaves were growing in almost completely white. Magnesium Old Yellow spots Often appears similar to iron deficiency since mg deficiency prevents a plant from properly using iron. Yellowing of old leaves starting from edges while major veins remain green Boron New Dead shoot tips, new side shoots also die Brittle stems Similar to calcium Sulfur New Similar to nitrogen deficiency Manganese New Dead yellowish tissue between leaf nerves Copper New Dead leaf tips and withered edges Zinc Old Yellowish areas between nerves, Starting at leaf tip and edges Molybdenum Old Yellow spots between leaf nerves, then brownish areas along edges. Inhibited flowering Phosphorus Old Stunted growth. Sometimes leaves become darker green Also symptoms can be similar to nitrogen deficiency Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.