I just did a 50% water change just to see if it seems to slow things down and potentially bring the pH back to normal. The clerk said most people have had bad luck with RRFs except one customer. Now I’m starting to wonder if I’m gonna join the ranks of those who have killed them. Small tank, 4.2 gal/ ~16L
Just to clarify, the driftwood is spiderwood and was presoaked and washed before being put into the tank.
Late to the game, but I have some with same wood, and are doing fine. My PH is like 7.3 even with the tannins though. Mine were slow going, but once I removed the bulk of water lettuce, RRF prospered. Is the plant competing with anything? Is it an actual grow light? How is it dying? Is it staying on the surface or getting tossed around by current?
I needed fertilizers! I got some co2 + other stuff that frees up iron (flourish excel) and the RRFs exploded happily. They went from dying to sending out new leaves like crazy in about a week. Quite the turnaround. I think the water was just nutrient-poor for floating/non soil plants.
Do you use any fertilizers?
No fertilizers yet, no. Was worried about upsetting the balance of the tank. Do you have any you recommend?
You shouldn’t need much in a tank that small, but for any floating plant you will need some. I personally use NilocG Thrive, and only dose when I change my water. I have heavily planted tanks, so I don’t do water changes more than every 1-2 months.
Got it, thank you! I might grab some when I’m at the store next. Mostly, I just want to make sure my planted tank is stabilized before I add in any fish or shrimp. I got some pest snails that hitched a ride on the plants, so I know the water is at least somewhat okay, haha.
