Dry Start Method Of Cuba And Monte Carlo Dying

HI all,

I have started DSM of cuba and monte carlo for a week.

Lightning is 8hrs (8am-12pm, 6pm-10pm)
Humidity is around 70%
Temperature 28-30 Celsius
Daily spray mist twice per day (contain flourish, dechlorinated water)
10G tank

My cuba seem to be turning brown and drying off.

How should I improve the quality of the cuba and make them carpet?

I don't intend to invest in CO2 system.

Does dosing Excel helps?

Thank you.

 

What type of lighting and substrate? If the substrate is inert the flourish is not enough. In addition, if you don't have CO2 the HC will likely die off after being submersed; dry start method is used for a quick carpet, but when submersing the plants, CO2 is on full blast to help with the transition back to submersed.

 

What type of lighting and substrate? If the substrate is inert the flourish is not enough. In addition, if you don't have CO2 the HC will likely die off after being submersed; dry start method is used for a quick carpet, but when submersing the plants, CO2 is on full blast to help with the transition back to submersed.

Lightning: I am using the LX-450, as recommended by the LFS. 10.1W with blue and red LED. Price is the same as Pro Z series.
Subtrate: I am using ANS Plantar Soil as recommended by the LFS.

Can I replace Co2 by dosing Excel after being submersed?

Should I move my tank to be exposed under sunlight?

 

Lightning: I am using the LX-450, as recommended by the LFS. 10.1W with blue and red LED. Price is the same as Pro Z series.
Subtrate: I am using ANS Plantar Soil as recommended by the LFS.

Can I replace Co2 by dosing Excel after being submersed?

Should I move my tank to be exposed under sunlight?

Not familiar with the light, but the substrate looks good. I don't think excel would work very well, it's definitely not as effective as actual CO2. The monte carlo will do fine though. And no I wouldn't move your tank towards sunlight, unless you don't think the lighting is enough.

 

IMG 0925
Week 1.