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How to keep plants alive with fish
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 7:19 am
by flutterm
My plants keep dying even though my fish are fine. I have a 20 gallon tank with a basic LED light, gravel substrate, and a HOB filter. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. What am I doing wrong?
Re: How to keep plants alive with fish
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 8:49 am
by flavioso
Plants need more than just good water. What kind of plants are you trying to grow? Some like Anubias or Java Fern are easy, but others need high light or root tabs. Also, how long do you keep the lights on?
Re: How to keep plants alive with fish
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 9:40 am
by rivulet6
flutterm wrote: ↑Wed Apr 23, 2025 7:19 am
My plants keep dying even though my fish are fine. I have a 20 gallon tank with a basic LED light, gravel substrate, and a HOB filter. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. What am I doing wrong?
Gravel might be the issue. Most plants need nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs. Try adding some Seachem Flourish or similar liquid ferts. Also, check if your light is strong enough for the plants you're growing.
Re: How to keep plants alive with fish
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 11:24 am
by flutist
Yep, gravel's a pain for plants unless you're dosing heavy. I switched to sand with root tabs and my plants took off. Also, what's your photoperiod? Too much light can cause algae, too little and plants won't grow. Aim for 6-8 hours.
Re: How to keep plants alive with fish
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 12:11 pm
by darktank
My tank's got a mix of gravel and sand, and I dose liquid ferts weekly. Plants are thriving, but I had to mess with the light timing a bit. Started at 10 hours, got algae, cut it to 7 and everything's chill now.
Re: How to keep plants alive with fish
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 1:05 pm
by LuckyAce
Don't forget CO2 if you're trying to grow anything beyond the basics. Even a simple DIY setup can make a huge difference. My Bacopa and Rotala exploded after I added CO2, though it's a bit sketchy to balance at first.
Re: How to keep plants alive with fish
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 1:58 pm
by flutterm
Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll try root tabs and adjust the light. Didn't realize gravel was such a problem.
Re: How to keep plants alive with fish
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 2:16 pm
by victor
I had the same issue. Switched to Fluval Stratum and my plants stopped dying. Also, make sure your fish aren't digging them up. Some species are notorious for that.
Re: How to keep plants alive with fish
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 3:41 pm
by rustyfox9
flutist wrote: ↑Wed Apr 23, 2025 11:24 am
Yep, gravel's a pain for plants unless you're dosing heavy. I switched to sand with root tabs and my plants took off. Also, what's your photoperiod? Too much light can cause algae, too little and plants won't grow. Aim for 6-8 hours.
Agreed on the photoperiod. I use a timer to keep it consistent. Also, floating plants like Frogbit can help block excess light if you're dealing with algae.
Re: How to keep plants alive with fish
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 4:50 pm
by willona
I've had luck with low-tech plants like Java Moss and Marimo balls. They don't need much light or ferts, and my fish love hiding in them. Maybe start with those if you're new to plants.