Hi… here for advice

[John.D]

Hi all
I’m relatively new to fish keeping. On my second aquarium after 18months or so with a small start up. I have a 300l high tech planted tank.
All started well - cycled, good growth, added fish.
It’s only now a few months on some of my plants don’t look as good. I trimmed a load of my hydrocotyle tripartita, and since then the stems have turned black. Looks like some new growth is coming through, but I’m also starting to get some black edges on some leaves on other plants. The Monte Carlo never done great, but it’s not planted directly into substrate.
Lights on for 9 hours, CO2 an hour before. I only fertilise once a week with columbo fertiliser. Big water changes weekly - 50% or so.
I’m wondering whether or not to apply more fertiliser.
Any help appreciated.
Below are photos at before a trim, then hydrocotyle tripartita.

 

[G H Nelson]

Hi @John.D
Your aquarium is still quite immature...... what's in the fertilizer?

 

[bazz]

I only fertilise once a week with columbo fertiliser.

That would be my first port of call. I would try using a comprehensive fertiliser (FloraGrow has no N&P, unless you have the Pro) and dose twice, maybe three times a week. I would even more so, with a 300l high tech tank look at maybe using Solufeed 2:1:4 and Solufeed Sodium Free TEC or Solufeed Coir TEC Combination, for £36.00 you would have a couple of years supply and your plants would not be hungry. Or you could look into making your own.

 

[Oldguy]

300l high tech planted tank.

Nice tank & fish.
Worth making your own ferts from dry salts & follow the Estimated Index approach. Cost effective and you know what you are putting in your tank. Potassium nitrate and Potassium dihydrogen phosphate are readily available on the internet as are Solufeed chelated products for iron and trace elements. You would need a digital balance also cheap thanks to 'street dealers'.
It can add an extra dimension to the hobby and a small chemistry set can be fun.
Best wishes for the future.

 

[John.D]

Hi @John.D
Your aquarium is still quite immature...... what's in the fertilizer?

H GH.
Thanks for the reply.
I have this fertiliser

Colombo Flora Grow - Aquarium Plant Fertiliser

Ensure vibrant, healthy aquatic plants with Colombo Flora Grow, a liquid fertilizer specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of aquarium plants. This advanced formula promotes lush growth, vibrant colors, and a thriving underwater ecosystem. Key Features: Complete Nutrient Solution...

aquascaping-express.co.uk

 

[John.D]

Thanks everyone for your responses, I really appreciate it.

I think I’m not quite ready to be making my own fertiliser. I would feel a lot more comfortable buying one which comes recommended.

I know bits are trial and error, but hoping all you guys experience can spare me some heartache!!

Thanks all!!

 

[hypnogogia]

H GH.
Thanks for the reply.
I have this fertiliser

Colombo Flora Grow - Aquarium Plant Fertiliser

Ensure vibrant, healthy aquatic plants with Colombo Flora Grow, a liquid fertilizer specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of aquarium plants. This advanced formula promotes lush growth, vibrant colors, and a thriving underwater ecosystem. Key Features: Complete Nutrient Solution...

aquascaping-express.co.uk

Lacking N&P. If you don’t want to make your own, try something like TNC complete.

 

[John.D]

Great. Thanks for the advice. I’ll purchase this now.

 

[Zeus.]

H GH.
Thanks for the reply.
I have this fertiliser

Colombo Flora Grow - Aquarium Plant Fertiliser

Ensure vibrant, healthy aquatic plants with Colombo Flora Grow, a liquid fertilizer specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of aquarium plants. This advanced formula promotes lush growth, vibrant colors, and a thriving underwater ecosystem. Key Features: Complete Nutrient Solution...

aquascaping-express.co.uk

With a 300L high tech tank well worth making your own DIY fert in long term