I have test kits. I can test but I am not sure if it is the lighting or if it is a deficiency.
I can test and we can talk about that and lighting if you would like?
Here is a picture of my lighting that I have at this time.
I read about nitrates and I thought maybe that's what it was so I put some sardines in hoping it would add nitrates to my fish tank and it made a mess algaes grew and I could see them on the rocks, so I would prefer not to do that and buy fertilizer if I need to.
Here are some pictures. Please click the links to see the pictures.
Here is a picture of my 55 gallon fish tank
https://freeimage.host/i/2nT4cJ
Here is the lighting that I am using
https://freeimage.host/i/2nuZ5x
Here is what the plants look like
https://freeimage.host/i/2nuDbV
https://freeimage.host/i/2nuys1
https://freeimage.host/i/2nAdga
Please let me know what you think I need to do.
I have other lights that I would rather be using. Two options. I have 48 inch t5s with on off switches I can use two t5s with 48 inch bulbs, or I have a 4 t5 48 inch 4 lights with 4 leds with a timer (I want to use this light if possible) I love the timers and I want to have the lights come on and off with the timers, but I need help with the positioning and the right PAR I don't have the feet that came with the 4 t5 48 lights with timer and I want to hang from the ceiling, but I am going to have to purchase a hanging kit if I can use those lights. I know how bright those are so I am going to have to find out how to not have the light go all in the room that the fishtank is in so I will have to find out how to cover the lights. At this time I have all the parts I need for the 2 t5 lights this light has the feet and I have all the parts for the leds. Which do yall think I should use it might be a while before I can purchase the hanging kit, but I will get to that later so I think I should start with the 2 48 t5 light or the led light. What do you think I should use?
Here is a picture of the t5 lights I have.
https://freeimage.host/i/2nAV7j
If you need me to take some water tests I can. What water tests do you need?