Just added hair grass to my aquarium (looks like dying)

[Zanzag]

Before you go all crazy planting wise is this the tank for your mayan?
The reason I ask is isnt he a digger that will make it a hard task to keep many stem and carpeting plants in the substrate

 

[Finthusiast]

Yes its for my mayan cichlid. He is a digger which is why I am only doing a third of the tank plants. I have had good luck getting him to dig his nest where I want. Of coarse theres no guaruntees he will always be the same it seems he has left the planted side if his current aquarium alone. Pretty interesting actually Im not sure how long he will leave them alone as he is growing every day lol but Im gunna at least try and thanks for the advice I wont get too involved to where Id be greatly disappointed for sure.

 

[Inkhorn]

Some die-off can occur before new growth begins.

 

[Terraphyte Tank Guy]

Will the gravel that is already in my tank work for the bottom and top layers?

Good question...

I don't know what you have there. But, you can try topping the bottom material with the Eco and Activ-flora. Then, more of your own substrate. Keep in mind that by adding this growing material, you're establishing an environment for growing aquatic plants. There will be a higher level of nitrogen from the fertilizers in the tank water. This kind of water chemistry isn't ideal for fish. If your goal is to have both, then you'll need to make some changes to accommodate fish.

TTG

 

[Finthusiast]

Ok thanks for that bit of info, I will hold off on any different substrate and find what plants will work in here with what I got. The moneywart seems to be staying alive, none have died so far. But the hair grass is looking like dead. Lol I will give them more time and hope they will come back but these must require me to change substrate like you suggest In order to even survive at all in here. Although could have been what was mentioned about planting them in too big of groups also. I’ll try different things out and see where I get but not going through too much trouble over them. I appreciate all the time you have spent helpin me out! I will keep updating as I go along in other threads. Thanks again!