what is wrong with this setup-plants dont grow

[mizzoutank]

Hi All,
I've been waiting for about a month now for any sign of growth from my plants. I have a variety that consist of: swords, compacta and one more that goes on driftwood-i forget the name of it.
I have 2 24w t5ho bulbs on top. they are only 18in long tho. Tank is a 40gal breeder.
No CO2 because i dont want to mess with it. I have root tabs basically near every plant.
Water conditions have been magic, 0am/0nit/10-20trates
My plants aren't growing-in fact they seem to by dying.
Ive researched how they could be dying-and it was for lack of nutrients-like common for my compacta is the leaves develop small holes on the middle and it grows out, and the leaves fall off. The swords-leaves are just turning brown and wilting away.
Idk what else to do. Do i need a stronger light? different substrate?(which btw mine is med size gravel)-more root tabs?
I'm trying to stay away from any liquid ferts-b/c when I was dosing with some api plant feeder stuff-i magically grew green hair algae and that took a long while to rid the tank/driftwood of it.
Thoughts? ugh I have an awesome tank-if only the plants would grow.

[mizzoutank]

forgot to add: bulbs are 6500k/10000k

[Goes to 11!]

Having lighting that only covers half the length of the tank strikes me as a pretty good place to start.

It really stands out as the missing element to me.

I am presuming here that this is a single 18" dual bulb fixture and not two single bulb fixtures that span the entire tank.

[mizzoutank]

850R,
that is a correct assumption on the fixture. It was given to me by a friend who broke down their old tank. Can't turn it away when it is free, right? lol

I've been thinking it could be the light too-so if this is the case.
what do you suggest to go get-with a frugal budget in mind. haha
would i need another dual fixture? single fixture? I'm not sure what is needed to kick start my plant growth.

Thanks!

[Goes to 11!]

YVW

You might like this. The price is right and since a 40b is not very tall it would do a fine job for you.


If you do get that - You might want to stand back a bit because there is going to be a huge difference in the growth :-P.

[mizzoutank]

holy cow-what a deal!
I'll have to explore that site for other things too!

This is to be used as an addition to my current light, correct-not a replacement?
I'll put this on order :)