how to keep your plants in good shape

[MrGuppy]

Never used API, but Glut in general shouldn't be the culprit for the Salvinia's struggles - it's probably just not getting much benefit from it, given its access to atmospheric CO2. My own experience with the plant is that it thrives on macronutrients and micronutrients. Initially, growth was slow, but once established, I dose it with a generous amount of fertilizers - about 4 handfuls a week.

The lighting in your setup does seem questionable, but I've had success growing it under sunlight. One thing to consider is the water flow - make sure it's not getting too much, as this can also hinder growth.

Oh I see, so you mentioned not too much flow, does that mean I should keep them in a spot where the water surface isn't too turbulent? Maybe that's something I should check out, could be the issue.

[challenger]

Too much flow is definitely a concern. If they're getting pushed under or just beat on too much, they won't do well. I'd say keep an eye on that flow, make sure it's not too strong for your plants.

[MrGuppy]

Never used API, but Glut in general shouldn't be the culprit for the Salvinia's struggles - it's probably just not getting much benefit from it, given its access to atmospheric CO2. My own experience with the plant is that it thrives on macronutrients and micronutrients. Initially, growth was slow, but once established, I dose it with a generous amount of fertilizers - about 4 handfuls a week.

The lighting in your setup does seem questionable, but I've had success growing it under sunlight. One thing to consider is the water flow - make sure it's not getting too much, as this can also hinder growth.

I think I might have found the issue. Fert is probably a problem too, other plants in my tank aren't doing great either. But for the floating plant, I notice it gets pushed down a lot, so I'll try to slow down the flow and see how it goes.

[goldminer]

I'm wondering what filter setup you're using in your tank

[MrGuppy]

I had a bottle of API CO2 Booster, used it for 5 weeks, didn't see any improvement with my plants. Then I read the ingredient list, Glutaflakedehyde is the main one, and it's not good for humans, let alone fish. Causes skin irritation, eye, nose, throat, and lung problems, headaches, drowsiness, and dizziness. I'm not using something that's not safe for me to touch or inhale around my fish.

I've had great results with my Aqua One LED Mini Touch LED 6w on my 20 gallon low tech betta sorority, it's working great for me.

I got this filter, looks like this, and I'm pretty sure it's the 1000 model. It's got some serious flow going on, and my floating plants sometimes get swept towards it and then pushed under.

[goldminer]

You can try adjusting the flow by turning that knob on the left side, the one just above the water inlet tube. That might do the trick. If not, another option is to use a plastic bottle, like in the pic, it's a pretty common hack. Alternatively, you could repurpose a cheap soap holder, just fill it with some media and it'll help break up the flow.

[MrGuppy]

Thx, I'll give it a shot, appreciate the help