Aquarium plants are dying.

[oceanblue]

I converted my 20g aquarium into planted tank few months ago. I've eco-complete substrate layered with Petco black sand. Basic water parameters (Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate) are perfectly fine, however I'm not able to successfully grow plants.

The leaves changes to pale yellow and eventually the plant dies; please see attached image. I'm not sure what's going wrong. Could you please let me know what am I missing here? Should I be checking for any additional parameters?

 

[brennae]

I would not leave the plants in the pots. This makes them root bound and restricts their growth. Also are you using fertilizers? Amazon swords need root tabs to really do well.

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[Sk3lly]

The roots will grow through the holes in the pot. Quite often receive plants in pots with roots far extending from the pot.

I do agree that this plant needs nutrients available to its roots


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[cbailey92]

What kind of lighting so you have


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[oceanblue]

Thanks for your response.

Only one plant is in the pot, others are directly into the substrate. I thought planting directly into the substrate damaged the root and so planted one in the pot, even I removed the sponge that came with it and filled the pot with substrate before putting in. So I don't think the pot might be causing the problem.

Aquarium has an LED lighting that came with the kit. I keep them running 8-10 hrs a day.

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[ImACoolguy]

Probably a mix of needing root tabs and usually standard lighting is pretty weak.


Caleb

 

[aclark]

Your lighting might very well be insufficient. If its part of a kit I would say 99% certain it is. Can you give us more details of the hood/light?

 

[Sk3lly]

Amazon swords do not need great lighting to survive


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[ImACoolguy]

Amazon swords do not need great lighting to survive


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Quite true. But some "standard" lighting can be pretty bad here in the US Bruh...


Caleb

 

[nkoyko]

I have 2 swords in one of my tanks and if I forget to add root tabs and ferts my plants will get a leaf or two like that. I don't have great light on the tank they are in either. Once I add root tabs and ferts, cut the see through leaves off, the swords start growing new leaves that are healthy.

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[Sk3lly]

Quite true. But some "standard" lighting can be pretty bad here in the US Bruh...


Caleb

I understand what your saying but i was under the impression anubias', crypts and swords could survive (not thrive) in just ambient light. Addition of nicer lighting obviously accelerates growth


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[oceanblue]

Your lighting might very well be insufficient. If its part of a kit I would say 99% certain it is. Can you give us more details of the hood/light?

I'm not sure about the lumens of the light, there are no specifications about the LED lights on the aquarium kit.

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[fish wrangler]

I understand what your saying but i was under the impression anubias', crypts and swords could survive (not thrive) in just ambient light. Addition of nicer lighting obviously accelerates growth


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+1 i have all the mentioned plants and java fern in my 20L under a t8 light. The swords are not growing, but they are not dying either.

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[Caliban07]

+1 i have all the mentioned plants and java fern in my 20L under a t8 light. The swords are not growing, but they are not dying either.

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I have Anubias under t8s at 20 inch and its grown two flowers as well as new leaves, no ferts or co2.

I have swords in a 20L under tin pot LED's again sprouting leaves, no ferts, no co2.


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