Why wont my plants stay alive?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
well, as noted, try getting the right bulb first; you'll still be at a low wattage, but I've kept anubias alive for several weeks IN A BOX (i.e., no light at all), so I know how hardy they can be

give it a try; nothing to lose (except the cost of the bulb)
 
well heres the deal, My canopy is only a 10 gallon hood canopy so the only lights i can buy are the 18" inchers i think. Unless I were to buy a new 20 gallon canopy but I believe that would be a bit expensive and dont really have the money for it. Can anyone refer the exact planted tank lighting I should buy or even 20 gallon long tank canopy hood with the lighting. I really love the look of planted tanks and want this to be a success! Preferably if anyone nows which lighting from petsmart or petco would be easiest.
 
Not true. If you want a flourishing green tank then yes imo u would need co2 and plant food, but for just a few plants here and there, good lighting should be enough.
 
electric... i just started trying to get a planted tank going about 9 months ago and have finally had some success. of course i dont get the kind of growth that u see in some of those serious tanks but the plants do grow.

i havent had much success with anubias despite everything i read says that they are hardy, low light, and easy to grow. how about they just die or grow tons of algae and the leaves turn black. i know theres something i can do to fix it but im looking for simple.

I have two separate flourescent fixtures with the following bulbs.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+8066+4479&pcatid=4479
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+8066+3816&pcatid=3816

i find that the plants under the power glow seem to grow the best. altho i think its still good to have two different lights.

im no expert but ive had success with some low light plants and no success with others. i had java fern for awhile and it didnt die, but it never grew. i havent had much success with anubias.

i have found that water wisteria and water sprite grow very well in my low tech setup. and I have a number for crypts that are growing well as well. the thing with crypts is that u have to be ready for alot of leaves melring away at first, then the plant starts to grow again.

my last thought also is that i think its harder to grow one plant successfully, especially if u have algae growing alot. u need alot of plants so that the plants can outcompete the algae for nutrient and thus not get covered in algae and look bad.

this is just my 2 cents on it and i think maybe just try a couple other low light plants and see which ones work right for u. also i dose liquid ferts once a week.
 
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