Hi folks,

So I recently converted my tank from sand substrate/plastic plants to gravel substrate/real plants. I've added some Amazon Swords and some Giant Vallis Vallisneria. I'm hoping the Vallisneria grows up and across the tank from left to right to add shade for the P's.

However, after a few days, the tips of the plants seem to be starting to go brown. I'm not sure wether this is because it is a fairly new substrate, low light or lack of CO2. I purposely chose plants that apparently do OK with low light - but not sure what is actually mean by 'low-light' ?

The tank is 5x2x2 and for lighting I only have a 2 foot 55W T5 TriPlus tube which is supposed to promote freshwater plant growth. I have this in the middle of the tank which creates slightly dim areas to the left and right (see pic).



So in peoples experience - do you think I just need to use fertilizer, increase the light and/or add a CO2 injector? Bearing in mind I want to keep the tank relatively dim.

Also - I read somewhere that aquatic plants feed primarily from the water column rather than the root system so I was wondering if people have had good plant growth using plain pea gravel rather than a nutrient enhanced substrate/gravel mix?

Thanks for any advice.

I have done planted tanks with both kinds of substrate and have had no problem with either of them. I put a tablet of fertiliser under the root ball and use Seachem Flourish Excel. This is a carbon based fertiliser so no need for CO2.

thx - I'll check it out ... don't really want to use CO2 if I can get the balance right without it

Where are you? PM me with your address and I'll send you some Flourish.