mcdonald.kk

My tank is still cycling and I've noticed that some of my plants are starting to die. Their leaves are turning yellow. I did add some iron supplements to the gravel but according to the directions its not time yet for another dose of iron. I'm not sure if it is because of a lack of iron, light. or something else. I know with an established nitrogen cycle nitrates are produced which are then used by plants. Could they be dying because of too few nitrates? I will admit that I only have a 15 watt light over my tank (20 gal). I thought I could get away with have an argentine sword plant in my tank but maybe it's not getting enough light? My microsword isn't looking too good either. If you think I should upgrade my lights do you have any suggestions about what kind of light I should get? and do I need to buy a glass hood or can I find a higher watt light that will fit into the top of my aquarium?

Blub

Barbrella

Swordplants (and many others) just won't live with the lighting you have, which is less than 1 watt per gallon.

You'll either have to upgrade your lighting to 40 watts, or choose only plants that can live with low light, like Java fern, Wisteria and Anubias.

mcdonald.kk

ok. I was afraid of that =( I'll see what I can put together. I really don't want to see them die. They are already unbunched....thanks for the advice =)

bubbles

Your plants are probably still trying to establish themselves. Its normal for plants to lose a few leaves while the tank is still in its cycling stage. Just like fish, plants go into shock too when they are put into a new environment. A good substrate (such as fluorite) really helps speeds the process. If it is a low light issue your plant would still put in new growth but it would be stunted or leggy. Yellowing leaves is more likely a result of shock or mineral deficiency.

mcdonald.kk

Maybe they will perk up then...thanks for the info about plant shock. That hadn't occurred to me =)

Blub

eepruls

My tank is cycling and I put three java ferns in from day one (when there was only ammonia). They don't look like they're suffering one bit. I specifically chose plants that would be easy to care for.