Hygro roots

[cichlidfish]

I forget the scientific name, but was told they are call hygro. I like the foiliage, but what do you think of these roots? They keep growing out as the plants get bigger. Anyone have experience w/ these?

 

[yikesjason]

I think the root are a sign that the plant is struggling to find the nutrients it needs. The leaves don't look very vibrant either. They probably need more fertilizer.

 

[cichlidfish]

I think the root are a sign that the plant is struggling to find the nutrients it needs. The leaves don't look very vibrant either. They probably need more fertilizer.

Yeah, I think you are right. What kind of fertilizer do you recomend? Also, algae has been taaking over the plants. I cut the light regiment down, but what else can I do? Is it low co2? I have 3 6'' cichlids and 8 swortails in there. I thought that might create a lot of nutrients and co2 being so heavily stocked.
I also added hornwort recently. Will that be a problem? I am kind of new to planted tanks.

 

[yikesjason]

The fish will provide mostly macro nutrients. A micro nutrient fertilizer like flourish comprehensive should work. And I don't think that he fish are going to add enough co2. I am not sure what size your tank is, but if it is smaller, you might try flourish excel as a carbon source.

I am no expert, you could get help identifying the exact deficiency on one of the forums that specialize in planted aquariums. plantedtank.net or aquariumplantcentral.com

Good luck

 

[cichlidfish]

The fish will provide mostly macro nutrients. A micro nutrient fertilizer like flourish comprehensive should work. And I don't think that he fish are going to add enough co2. I am not sure what size your tank is, but if it is smaller, you might try flourish excel as a carbon source.

I am no expert, you could get help identifying the exact deficiency on one of the forums that specialize in planted aquariums. plantedtank.net or aquariumplantcentral.com

Good luck

The tank is a 55g and thanks for the info

 

[yikesjason]

If you watch for a sale on BigAls, you can get a 2L of Excel for $30, and that should last you a between 6 months to a year, depending on how you use it on a 55g. Not bad if you want to try your hand at it, but not a long term replacement for pressurized co2.

 

[cichlidfish]

If you watch for a sale on BigAls, you can get a 2L of Excel for $30, and that should last you a between 6 months to a year, depending on how you use it on a 55g. Not bad if you want to try your hand at it, but not a long term replacement for pressurized co2.

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out. I've been doing 40% 2-3 water changes a week on this tank. The algae started to get out of control after that. Would that made a difference? I also tested my water params and ph is 7.2, amonia is 0, nitrite is 0, and nitrate is 10. Is that ok for these plants? I also have argentine sword plants in this tank too.