planted section in sump

[twentyleagues]

Tbh we need some tank parameters and source water also. Yellowing can be caused by lack of magnesium or phosphate. If the water is too soft or hard it can cause issues also. My well water is very hard with a high pH and alk. Its basically saltwater without the salt and the alk is higher. I have a hard time with a lot of plants but for the most part crypts, annubias, and val do pretty well as well as a lot of terrestrial plants pothos, peace lily, monstera, dracaena.

 

[Onyx4476]

source is tap water. all the tanks test almost the same.
amonia-0
nitrite-0
nitrate-5
ph- 7.0
kh- 40
gh-180

 

[twentyleagues]

Seeing that your nitrate is only 5 you may not have enough nutrients in the system. You may need to start dosing some ferts and trace elements depending on what you want plants for, looks or filtration.

 

[Onyx4476]

looks and filtration both. i keep stingrays in the main display tank, i need to be real careful about what i do

 

[duanes]

There can also be completion between plants.
Certain fast growth species can easily out compete plants like swords.
When I put swords in the substate too close to fast growing vallisneria, it melted away.
In order to save it, a hole was carved out of some drift wood to let it root in, and placed the wood closer to the light.

Blow is my planted sump. When I test for nitrate, results are undetectable, but that's because I believe the fast growers like Vals use it up as fast as its produced.