How to reverse nitrogen deficincy

[Slippery K]

Does anyone know how to reverse the effects of nitrogen deficincy in plants. I have 2 amazon sword plants in my tank and they are starting to turn pale/yellow/brown. I have tile, no substrate and the plants are in pots filled with peastones.

I would like to avoid adding soils to the tank. Can anyone recommend treatments or home methods to get more nitrogen into the water colom?

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[WyldFya]

Echinodorus amazonicus is a heavy root feeder, with a very large root base. Potting these is not good for them. Based on it being bare bottom, and in a pot, I imagine you are deficient in more than just nitrogen. A broad spectrum fert, and good root tabs will be a start, but you really need to get it into a tank with substrate across the whole tank.

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[Slippery K]

Tank did have substrate, about 2 months ago I took out the substrate and added tile. Params are all perfect (only a basic test kit).

Previously with the substrate they were doing great, now within the past few weeks they have started to change colour. All the other plants are fine, its just the swords. They are potted in large round deep pots, so rooting shouldn't be an issue.

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[WyldFya]

Testing for parameters in a planted tank are not the same as testing for nitrogen. Plants need macro-nutrients (NPK), as well as micro-nutrients (iron, manganese, magnesium, boron, etc.). The change should show you the problem. If something you have is doing good, then you change something, and they are no longer doing well, the change by default is the problem. Swords do not do well in pots, they are very heavy root feeders, and need a large area to draw from. Most of your detritus, is being taken by your filter, thereby not allowing any build up near the roots. This will cause several deficiencies. A healthy adult amazon sword, E. amazonicus, can attain a root base of over 3 feet in diameter.

 

[Slippery K]

Testing for parameters in a planted tank are not the same as testing for nitrogen. Plants need macro-nutrients (NPK), as well as micro-nutrients (iron, manganese, magnesium, boron, etc.). The change should show you the problem. If something you have is doing good, then you change something, and they are no longer doing well, the change by default is the problem. Swords do not do well in pots, they are very heavy root feeders, and need a large area to draw from. Most of your detritus, is being taken by your filter, thereby not allowing any build up near the roots. This will cause several deficiencies. A healthy adult amazon sword, E. amazonicus, can attain a root base of over 3 feet in diameter.

Oh ok, I had the wrong idea for the swords then - no biggie. Can you recommend a low light plant (lights are 4,800 K) that will thrive in a potted setting? Would it also help if I took out the peastones and used a different type of substrate?

My main goal is to tend to my fish, but I like the added benefits of having some live plants in my tanks.

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[WyldFya]

Oh ok, I had the wrong idea for the swords then - no biggie. Can you recommend a low light plant (lights are 4,800 K) that will thrive in a potted setting? Would it also help if I took out the peastones and used a different type of substrate?

My main goal is to tend to my fish, but I like the added benefits of having some live plants in my tanks.

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Any species of Anubias, or any of the java ferns, would be good options.

 

[Slippery K]

Great, thank you for the suggestions. My lfs gets new plants in every Wednesday. Tomorrow ill drive up and see if they have some. Pretty sure iv seen the tags for those plants there before.

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