Hi Folks,
My E. bleheri is growing very slowly. Generally, it is in good condition. The new leaves are a lush green but I was hoping for faster growth. The tank is brightly lit but, sadly, I have no measured PAR readings. I use CO2 injection to achieve a CO2 concentration of 25 - 30ppm. I have Seachem Flourish root tabs at the base of all the plants. Although some of the older leaves on the E. bleheri develop tiny black patches, there are no holes in the leaves. Currently, I only add Flourish Trace to the water column. In the same tank, I have E. spectra, which grows very well indeed - dark green leaves (red initially). Its leaves are long (30cm) and plentiful unlike the E. bleheri whose leaves are short (15 - 20cm) and few in numbers. There is good water circulation throughout this 130 litre tank.
I am wondering if the E. bleheri is nitrogen deficient. I do have Flourish Nitrogen so I could start using it again. I stopped because I was concerned that, along with phosphates, it was contributing to algae outbreaks.
Does anyone have any suggestions? BTW, has anyone ever tried injecting liquid fertilizers directly into the substrate at the base of plants?
Thanks in advance.
JPC
My E. bleheri is growing very slowly. Generally, it is in good condition. The new leaves are a lush green but I was hoping for faster growth. The tank is brightly lit but, sadly, I have no measured PAR readings. I use CO2 injection to achieve a CO2 concentration of 25 - 30ppm. I have Seachem Flourish root tabs at the base of all the plants. Although some of the older leaves on the E. bleheri develop tiny black patches, there are no holes in the leaves. Currently, I only add Flourish Trace to the water column. In the same tank, I have E. spectra, which grows very well indeed - dark green leaves (red initially). Its leaves are long (30cm) and plentiful unlike the E. bleheri whose leaves are short (15 - 20cm) and few in numbers. There is good water circulation throughout this 130 litre tank.
I am wondering if the E. bleheri is nitrogen deficient. I do have Flourish Nitrogen so I could start using it again. I stopped because I was concerned that, along with phosphates, it was contributing to algae outbreaks.
Does anyone have any suggestions? BTW, has anyone ever tried injecting liquid fertilizers directly into the substrate at the base of plants?
Thanks in advance.
JPC