planted section in sump

[Onyx4476]

I am trying to grow plants in my sump. I do not think they are doing well. I don’t clean the substrate, which is 2 inches of clay pellets and 1 " of gravel. I have a bristle nose algae eater, guppies, and shrimp in there. can anyone tell me how to make them thrive?

 

[FJB]

I would say sand would have been better than gravel. However, they look pretty good to me, with new leaves and new growth!

 

[Onyx4476]

i was concerned about the algae growing on the leaves and the brown, or yellow spots. Is this what they call melting?

 

[BIG-G]

i was concerned about the algae growing on the leaves and the brown, or yellow spots. Is this what they call melting?

If you are referring to the sword. You may want to fertilize with some tabs. Swords are root feeders

 

[Onyx4476]

will the fertilizer effect anything else?

 

[duanes]

Most root tabs are benign.
But It depends on what the plant needs, what is is lacking.
You can experiment with different substances
Swords are often commonly lacking in iron.
Depending on your tap waters alkalinity, it could be calcium or magnessium, although less likely, especially if your water is hard.
I put my wife's expired iron tablets next to some root feeding plants, just so I don't add un-needed nutrients like nitrate or phosphorus, sometimes infused in root tabs, these nutrients are usually provided by fish waste and other metabolism by-products that enter the sump.

 

[dogofwar]

I'd use terrestrial plants (like Peace Lilly and Pothos)...

 

[Onyx4476]

my 2 pothos are not taking. one has black spots and the other has shriveled or shrinking roots. i put them in 2 weeks ago (2 separate tanks)

 

[Denon]

my 2 pothos are not taking. one has black spots and the other has shriveled or shrinking roots. i put them in 2 weeks ago (2 separate tanks)

I just trimmed my pothos the other week and threw some clippings from it in my tank and they have been growing roots like crazy. Do you have good light and what temp do you keep your house at? Leaves must be out of the water. Was the plant in soil before maybe try using clippings from the pothos instead?

 

[Onyx4476]

they were given to me by someone who had the roots in water. the tanks are in my office so there is normal light and temperature. they are not by the window and no special lights. maybe the fish are munching on the roots.