Help Needed Again Please Plants Still Dying Off

[marieukxx]

I've posted before about the problem in my small 21.6L tank. It has two big lots of Java Fern in it and one bit of anubias. It's been running years and the plants have grown a lot. The problem is my Java Fern is developing brown spots all over the leaves which eventually turn into loads of tiny holes which is destroying it.
 
I was told before because it's full of plants for it's size that I needed to dose liquid co2. So I bought some and have been dosing with API co2 booster every single day now for months. I also dose with Tropiflora liquid ferts every 10 days. The problem hasn't resolved and seems to be getting worse. When I look at potassium deficiency in Java Fern online the pictures look exactly like what's happening to mine. Could it be lack of potassium?
 
If so how would I go about adding it? I've seen potassium powder available.

 

[techen]

The problem is with you dosing liquid ferts every 10 days than every 1 day.
 
The more plants there is the more they use up, It sounds like there using up all the ferts before the 10 days are up and then dying off. I suggest daily dosing it.

 

[marieukxx]

Do you think? How would I do daily dosing though in such a small tank? I only dose 7ml every 10 days. How much would I dose if it was daily? Basically the bottle says add 2.5ml for every 56 litres every 10 to 14 days depending on plant density.

 

[daizeUK]

I agree that you need more nutrients of some kind.
 
It could be that a daily dose of API CO2 is not enough.  I reached a point in my tank where I had to start double dosing liquid carbon.  If your plants have increased their size you may have the same issue.
 
I'm not familiar with Tropiflora but their information says "Tropiflora's plant nutrients and trace elements are chelated for slow release over a 10-14 day period".
This sounds unusual to me, I've no idea what would happen if you dosed it every day!  
 
Tropiflora contains trace elements and potassium but doesn't say how much.  It doesn't contain any nitrate or phosphate.  You could have potassium, nitrate or phosphate deficiency, or all of the above!
 
In your situation I would:
1) consider doubling the dose of liquid carbon or consider switching to CO2 gas
2) ensure that my plants have enough ferts to meet all their needs.  I did this by switching to dry salts using the Estimative Index method because this was cheaper than using pre-mixed branded bottles.

 

[marieukxx]

Thanks what would be a better fert to use? I don't want to mess about with dry ferts as I don't have a clue what I'm doing. I'll start double dosing the liquid co2 tonight. I always put it in when I switch on the lights.

 

[daizeUK]

If you are interested in using dry salts then take a look at this: http/www.aquariumplantfood.co.uk/fertilisers/dry-chemicals/starter-kits/ei-starter-kit.html
I think some guy is currently selling one of these in our classified section too.
 
If you don't fancy mixing your own then you could consider something like Neutro+.  http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/neutro-small-p-6362.html
The disadvantage is that you can't control how much of each fertiliser you're adding but it does make it nice and simple.
 
Others may have other recommendations

 

[marieukxx]

Thanks for the help. I'd be interested in dry but I'd have to read up a lot first. In the meantime I'll change my fertiliser and up the co2.
 
I just looked at that fert you suggest and it looks good. I'm really thick when it comes to maths though. How much would I add daily for my 21.6 litre tank? Is 2.2ml right?  I've got little syringes.
 
I'm defo getting that as it looks very good

and am I right with my co2 dosing? I've been using API co2 booster which says 1ml per 38L and I have been dosing 0.6ml daily for my 21.6L tank.

 

[daizeUK]

Yep your maths looks good to me
Try the new fertiliser first and see how it goes for a couple of weeks with a standard dose of API CO2.

 

[marieukxx]

Ok I'll try what you said and see how I get on. I've bought that new fertiliser. It'll be easier doing it daily anyway rather than remembering to do it every 10 days plus the one you suggested sounds a lot better. Thanks for all your help.