Monte Carlo as epiphyte struggling

[Patrick Crowley]

My Monte Carlo is not doing well as an epiphyte. Everything else is growing well. Tank is 5 weeks old, 180L, in-line CO2, fertilised with APT Zero 5 pumps daily.
Any advice from those that have had success with this?

 

[Mr.Shenanagins]

If I’m not mistaken, APT 0 has no nitrates. If your nitrate levels are low then what you’re experiencing makes sense. It will not survive as an epiphyte with lean water column dosing

 

[Aqua360]

View attachment 217236My Monte Carlo is not doing well as an epiphyte. Everything else is growing well. Tank is 5 weeks old, 180L, in-line CO2, fertilised with APT Zero 5 pumps daily.
Any advice from those that have had success with this?

As other poster said, dosing is key, but also looking at the rock you're using, it may be struggling to get a proper grip on it.

I had best success with porous rock like lava etc, but perhaps someone else that has used (what looks like sieryu?) may chime in

 

[Patrick Crowley]

Thanks both. I was thinking of switching to APT Complete anyway, as the instructions recommend Zero for the first 1-2 months. So I think I’ll make the change now and see if it has an impact.
Yes, the stone is sieryu, and a fairly smooth example too! So perhaps not the best.