planted 36g need help

[daneek155]

So I need your guys help on my aquarium.I first started it as a non planted but I ended up planting it it.I have about 2.5 inches gravel. Its a 36g bowfin. I have a fluval 305 in it. I have 1angel.3mollies.5 bards.1 chinese algebra eater.I have 5a plants.2amozon swords.1 water wisteria. 1 water sprite. 1 annubus. I am not running a airstone. I am dosing it for plant food. I boughta 24" floramax light at petco for it.my plants are not growing good. Need advise.

 

[daneek155]

Need help anytime have any suggestions. I am not injecting c02

 

[BfishLpond78]

Im new to the whole planted world myself, but my wisteria and anubias nana grew in very low light conditions. The wisteria grew like a weed before i got my new light...now im really curious how it will grow. What is the specs on that light?

 

[daneek155]

Zoo Med T-8 Flora Sun Max Plant Growth Fluorescent Bulb 24" Length
That's the light I have

 

[daneek155]

Zoo Med T-8 Flora Sun Max Plant Growth Fluorescent Bulb 24" Length

 

[BfishLpond78]

The specs say it is only 17 watts. Im not really an expert but i wanna say that would be "ok" for low light plants. How do the plants look. I know you said they are not.growing well, can you elaborate? What plant food are you using?

 

[daneek155]

I am using api root tabs and nitrafin food. The expevsivest one at Petsmart..the plants look ok. Id say they are green but leaves do die off on the bottom

 

[daneek155]

What kind of bulb should I get or can someone reccomend what lighting system is great but not to pricey. Thanks

 

[BfishLpond78]

How deep is the tank? i'm guessing it's 21 inches? If that is the case your light may not be strong enough to penetrate that deep.

What is your budget?

 

[Aquakyle]

Mix "flourite red" in with your substrate, it works great!
Make sure you rinse the **** outta the flourite tho

 

[daneek155]

do i just wash the substrate really good and it to my gravel???? or should i take out some gravel first.... i found i a kit for dual h5 lights. it will give me a total of 36 watts because they are 18w each. is 36w for a 36 g tank ok. theres only about 30 gallons of water in the tank due to the decor and gravel..