Do I need Additional Ferts?

[Sharkman]

I have a 55g with 35% water changes weekly. The tank has 2.3 watts per gallon of compact flourescent lighting. It has flourite gravel. I currently have Java fern that has grown okay, but has brownish spots on it almost black. I also have some new anubias plants. I have wisteria that is brown and not growing well if at all. I also have what I think are cryptocorne of some type. I have two other non aquatic plants that Petco screwd me over with. I use root tabs in areas that I think will help. Do you think I need to add ferts like flourish or iron?

Also, what are some other plants that might succeed in such a setup?


Lastly, can anyone reccomend or know of a place to get hygrophila polysperma? Is it illegal in PA?

[Algenco]

I don't think you need any additional fertz

[Sharkman]

thanks Algenco.

[MCHRKiller]

I would at the very least add a weekly dose of Flourish Comp, if your leaves on the ferns are turning black its a clear sign of nutrient deficiency. Not to mention its not going to hurt anything, and your at a medium level of light you could see some benefits for just minimal dosing.

[annageckos]

I would dose some ferts like Flourish.

[Sharkman]

OK great. I will certainly pick up the smaller bottle of flourish. Would an amazon sword grow in this set up? Are they best to plant in corners or out in the open? I need some taller plants at the moment.

[MCHRKiller]

You definatly have the lighting for a sword plant to do well, you also have a great substrate. They should do well, just be sure to put some root tabs around the swords they are heavy root feeders and benefit greatly also from water column ferts.

[Sharkman]

excellent. Thanks for your expertise MCH. :22:

[troy]

I don't think you need any more fertilizer. An amazon sword would do just fine in your setup. I have an amazon sword that I've had for a year and a half that has done fine under 2 wpg of light, a gravel substrate, and little ferts.