Plants are difficult :P

[Scruffeh]

So I've been learning all sorts of great stuff from you all lately and now I want to save my plants. It seems that most of the tips on my plants are turning brown and yellow. Some of my plants have died and turned a transparent brown color so I've pulled them. Is there something I should do to save my plants? I only have a 15G tank so I haven't much room for a lot of equipment. I have tried the liquid plant food and the tablet plant food. Any suggesttions??

[Algenco]

we need to know the type of plant, lighting, substrate.
What brand of fertilizers did you try?

[Scruffeh]

I have some Argentine Swords...I can't remember the other types. I'll take a pic of my tank and show you, I need to find my sis's camera first lol. I am using black gravel for my substrate, and as for my lighting what do you need to know?

Right now I'm using TetraPlant 0-0-3 FloraPride, and Plant Care Solutions Water Conditioning Fizz TAbs

[NickFish]

Sounds like a nutrient diffeciency, most likely iron.

I would dose with fluorish comprehensive supplement twice a week. Also add some Fluorish root tabs to the substrate around your plant. One tab for every 6". If your plants don't clear up by then start dosing with an iron supplement. Whether, it be in the roots or in the water column.

And ya, if you could tell us your specs we could give even more info.

Also, the amount you fertilizes depends on how many plants you have. If you only have a couple iron dosing the water column would be pointless, and you should use root tabs instead.

EDIT: just read your new post.

It is definitely an iron deficiency, swords are huge iron hogs. Put a Fluorish root tab or two in the substrate at the base of the plant. Chelated iron would be even better if you have it. Your plant should take off as soon as it gets some iron in it.

As for lighting, we need to know the total amount of watts, as well as the type of bulb.
And the size of the tank would help too.

[Scruffeh]

I have a 15 Gallon tank. My Head lamp is about 19 watts. I'll go to WalMart and see if they have Iron supplements, but they probly won't. I"ll have to get to Dubuque this weekend and hit the lfs.

[NickFish]

I have a 15 Gallon tank. My Head lamp is about 19 watts. I'll go to WalMart and see if they have Iron supplements, but they probly won't. I"ll have to get to Dubuque this weekend and hit the lfs.
19w isn't really enough for a sword.
It wouldn't kill it though, chances are it would just grow really slowly.

My wal-mart carries Flourish root tabs. Thats all you really need. I said flourish because most stores carry it. There are even better ferts out there if you can find them. Dry ferts are great for larger tanks. I really love the ADA line of products, if only I could afford to use them on a regular basis!

[Northernguy]

How long have the plants been in the tank and is the tank cycled?
How much filtration do you use?
Are you running a bubble bar?
Are you getting ammonia readings?