What's the Secret to Star Repens?

[RadMax8]

So I really like the look of Star Repens, but I've tried to plant it a couple times with no luck. It seems like they always melt and the stems float off. What's the trick to making these things grow? I've got ferts, good light, and I inject CO2.

Full disclosure: I have cories in my tank, and I don't know if they are contributing to this issue. I've never seen them eat the plants, but I also work and sleep. Ditch the cories and watch the stars go wild?

Thanks guys.


Definitely not wasting time. Nope.

[aqua_chem]

What is your CO2, ferts, and light setup? You may be overestimating your capabilities.

[mikem691]

I just put fert tabs around and under them. DIY co2 leaf zone. Flourish and co2 booster.

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[aqua_chem]

So, you're using Flourish and Leaf zone? How much DIY CO2, and what size tank? What's your light?

[mikem691]

Originally Posted by aqua_chem

So, you're using Flourish and Leaf zone? How much DIY CO2, and what size tank? What's your light?

Me or the op?

[RadMax8]

Aqua_chem,

I'm using an Ecoxotic E-Series LED on a 29 gal tank. I'm using compressed CO2 and I'm dosing PPS Pro and Osmocote+ root tabs. Do you think that the tank is just too deep?


Definitely not wasting time. Nope.

[aqua_chem]

Shouldn't be a light issue, although if the stems are melting, it's usually that, CO2, or a circulation thing. Do you have a drop checker?

[RadMax8]

I do. I'm working on dialing it in, it's usually bright green, not quite that lime green everyone shoots for. Circulation is pretty good. It's at the front of the tank, and I've got an AquaClear filter with the flow directed at the front. Flow comes across the plants.


Definitely not wasting time. Nope.

[Brookster123]

Max, you remember my star roller coaster?? took almost a year to fill in a mnd sustain. Went through 3 major melts/regrow.. makes no sense..

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[bcarl_10gal]

The secret is monkey dust. You can find it at your LFS.


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[Fresh2o]

Originally Posted by bcarl_10gal

The secret is monkey dust. You can find it at your LFS.


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Bcarl - You were dealing with either salt and/or other substances related to the RO filter, right? What was the conclusion of your testing?
Knock on driftwood, this has been one of my more reliable plants to grow.


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[bcarl_10gal]

At this point the case is wide open. I think we can rule out the RO water and salt theory. I get back home this week and can provide an update to my tank/repens. I do miss my carpet though....


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[RadMax8]

Originally Posted by bcarl_10gal

The secret is monkey dust. You can find it at your LFS.

Well I'll be a monkey's uncle!

I think a lot of my issue stems from the cories. I've read that stars melt pretty easily, but they work up a big root system and then grow. Well as the plants melt, my cories eat the leaves and the stems die.


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[Cold Canadian]

Originally Posted by bcarl_10gal

The secret is monkey dust. You can find it at your LFS.


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I cannot tell if this is legit or not.
Can someone specify?


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[bcarl_10gal]

Yeah, should find it somewhere by the algae seeds.


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[Fresh2o]

I have stars growing in low light as well. Very slow growth, no algae, no melt. No ferts except for osmocote+ tabs for the nearby crypts.


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