Don't bury the roots?

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boofish2

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 3, 2006
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NYC
I'm new to plants and I seem to be having some trouble. I have a 37 high with a couple of angels and twin 17W bulbs. I know this is a low light situation but I did some research and found that some suitable selections might be Amazon Swords and Java Fern (lacy). I also read that you're not supposed to bury the roots in the substrate but rather tie them to a piece of driftwood or a rock. I did this but the roots (esp. Sword) don't seem to be going anywhere and while I see a lot of new growth on top the leaves only get so big before turning brown and translucent. -- they're almost melting away.
My question is, is it true that I am supposed to let the plant root itself and if so, what am I doing wrong?
Sorry a little long winded, thanks for reading :)
 
the amazon needs to be planted but not the java fern. what are you water parameters? that might help others give better advice.
 
If the leaves are turning brown it sounds like an iron or potassium deficiency. Do you dose ferts? If you do, then it sounds like a lack of co2. The 34Ws is not enough light for an amazon sword to grow. At 22" or less you are ok with florescent tubes, but compact florescents are better. At 24" up to 30" you are ok with CF hoods, but are best with HO T5 or MH bulbs. Above 30" I wouldn't do anything less that HO T5 or MH bulbs. Your wattage is way to low for the plants. They are low wattage, but in a tank that big, with that much depth you should have a 65W CF hood at least. The T8 or T12 bulbs you have are not going to have enough intensity to penetrate deep enough for the plants to properly photosyntesize. Try using ferts and co2 first, but most likely you will need better lights.
 
Great advice, thank you guys!! I can't find anything higher then a 20W for a 30" hood though . What's a CF hood? :redface:
 
I always bury my roots, I never have problems. I agree that you need, ferts, co2 or better lighting.
 
Thanks for the link evercl92.... That stinks, I just bought my twin fluorescent for like $75.
They are kind of pricey. There is one CF 24" with a single 65W for about $70. So you think that would do the trick? Time to start sellin' my stuff .....:shakehead :)
 
The CF fixture will work much better than a double T12 bulb. For the plants you are keeping there should be no problems.
 
if your tank is 30 inch in lenght, then buy a 30" Freshwater Coralife that has a 6700k 65watts bulb on it. Its availble with single and dual 65watts
 
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