I missed something some place or maybe not!! I have just set up a 55 gal, Flora max red substrate, water ,PH 7.4 GH 12 KH 2 NO Ammonia , Nitrites .25 Nitrates .50.(DID FOLLOW ALL THE BASICS THAT I COULD FIND) All the plants seem to be getting transparent like they were put in Chlorine.and some look like tthey have rust on the the leaves Tank Has been set up 8 days and I have added Colonizing liquids to help cycling. Light is 2 x 65 watt 6700 K 11 hrs day. Amazon I put in tank week ago is growing but leaves appear thin and somewhat transparent. New plants look as though they are stating to get transparent.
Hate to see $40 worth of plants die. Have 29 gal bow front I set up 2 years ago with eco complete and never saw this happen. HELP HELP HELP> PICTURES AVAILABLE

You didn't mention fertilizing or CO2. Are you providing basic fertilizers and CO2? Without nitrates, phosphates, potassium, trace elements, and CO2 your plants will starve.

Vaughn, I did read all the articles about lighting and adding pies cakes squared by roots and sand then lift it up 2 inches and put in sausage. Never thought about adding nutrients on a new start up. Doing it as we speak. (phew what happened to the 65 years ago when I just let the water sit 24 hrs and threw in the anacharis and guppies)
Thank you all for such a great website and nice people.

Hi,

Please note that you have 130 wpg over your 55 gal tank. That is over 2 wpg.

That is pretty high light also on for 11 hours per day....

Since the tank is still cycling and the plants not established and not receiving any nutrients driven by the high light you have, they will not grow or do well.

Try adding the ferts as Vaughn suggests and lower the duration to about 8-9 hours for a while and see how that goes.....

You can always add more light/duration if required/desired.

I have not found any of the cycling products to do anything to help hasten a new tank cycle. Just my experience........

You can also use Purigen and carbon along with 40-50% water changes (with Prime) every other day to help the cycle along.

Hope this helps.

Thank you Gerryd, Did start the ferts last night . Will cycle the light as suggested with a rest period of 2-3 hrs as I have found that that does help combat Algae problems. Nitrates were heavy duty today at over 100ppm and Nitrites at 0.5. Got out the old Nitro Zord Bag and tonight I am below 40 ppm. Will adjust lighting as per your suggestions so my total will be 8-9 hrs. Will start the ferts according to Seachem chart and once plants kick in will adjust. Have to get a little more knowledge inthis thick old skull. I'm still dreaming about Guppies and Anacharis being great. Thank you for your knowledge. Will keep you posted.

scrupie,

You still haven't mentioned a carbon source? or not? This will make a big difference in how you do this tank. Please let us know.

Scrupie,

I am not recommending a rest period. The lights should be on continuously, I am just suggesting a shorter period than 11 hours, at least at first.

This rest period does not inhibit algae IME.

Good plant growth will and that requires light, carbon, fertilizer, 02, current, etc.

As Chris and Vaughn ask, what are you using for a carbon source? This is one of the primary plant nutrients and MUST be supplied. Fish alone cannot provide sufficient c02 for the plants.

I understand your longing for guppies and anacharis and you can have it, it is called a low-light,low tech tank and that is not so far what you have or seem to be going for.

Please think about the type of tank you want and then plan from that point.

High light and high growth which requires pruning and work?
Low light, less growth, pruning, etc.
Something in between?
How many and type of fish do you want?

All of these things may/can affect plant growth and the health of your tank.

This will make for a less stressful experience for you and your pets.

Hope this helps.