I have had problems with keeping plants since I started keeping aquariums. By now I have a nutrient rich soil, a light strong enough and liquid nutrients for plants. But still I am not able to keep plants of the easiest kind (in this case vallisneria spiralis) alive. Can anyone tell me why that is and what I can do. Thanks in advance
Posted by Dry-Conversation1734
9 Comments
I feel your pain. Same here
It seems your soil and gravel layer very thin, so maybe not enough space for the roots. You wanna have at least one inch of soil and two inches of gravels.
If you are using your local tap water, can you have the mineralization and hardness of it tested at your LFS?
When I did that, I discovered that I have really soft water (and very low minerals). So I started adding GH/KH+ supplements (like those used for shrimp) along with my usual fertilizer (NilocG Thrive) and my plants frikkin’ TOOK OFF.
I wouldn’t call tall grasses like those the easiest plants. I also have a hard time with aquatic grasses specifically, but if I were you I would pivot to the actual easy to grow aquatic plants, such as Java fern, Anubis, Marino moss balls, anacharis. Also look into putting emergent plants out the top, like pothos, ivy, philodendrons, etc.. You can look at my last post if you want an example
Looks like not enough gravel and stuff and it’s void of nutrients
Whats that for a weird soil?
Why do you call it „nutrient rich soil“? Looks more like gravel without any nutrients at all. The layer is also rather thin.
Can you test your water? Where do you live? Is your tap water safe? How dors it taste when you drink it?
Do you add anything to it? When you say all plants are dying then it sounds like something weird is in your water. Maybe clorine to make it safe for drinking?
Does your water service have a website? Here in germany the water gets tested regularly and you can check the results online.
I’m always so jealous of the rich heavily planted tanks I’ve tried so hard😭
R/Walstad
If you want to use Val you’re gonna need a thicker substrate. Plus, sand has no nutrients you’re gonna need root tabs, and you’ll be good. Liquid fertilizers don’t do anything for plants like Val. They are root feeders. Do you want about an inch of substrate minimum for plants like Val and other root feeders