Battling Plant Deficiencies

[The Rockster]

Hi,

Is there a strategy for correcting plant deficiencies?

I use the Dosing Chart and all Seachem Liquid Ferts.

We do 30 % water changes weekly. The tap water is mixed with Prime.

Does this forum support pictures?

The larger leaf plants have turned from green to yellow, with black spots and holes.

All water tests are good.

The tank has over filtration and circulation, as well as a UV filter used two days a week .
However the water temp is around 90.





5%

[Tech Support EH]

In order to determine which elements in which your plants may be deficient, testing is important. Which elements are you testing for, and what are your results? Each element has its own vital functions within the cells of plants, and therefore one can often determine where the deficiency may lie based on symptoms exhibited by the plants themselves. For instance, potassium plays a major role in the operation of stomata (the pores in which gas exchange occurs); therefore a potassium deficiency often exhibits itself as tiny pinholes in the leaves.

For your reference, we have a deficiency chart that lists the major functions of each element and signs of deficiency for each of these. Hopefully, it will prove somewhat helpful to you. Here is the link to the chart: http://www.seachem.com/support/FlourishConstituents_Deficency.pdf. Yellowing, or chlorosis, as you have described often is due to iron deficiency.

The dosing chart on the website is a general suggestion of how to dose the Flourish products. It is by no means the only way to dose the products, and of course, adjustments can be made based on need. It is a good starting point, however.

It seems like you are doing all the right things (frequent small water changes, good filtration and circulation, etc). It is important to turn off your UV on days that you dose Flourish Excel, as UV could break down the active ingredient. You water temperature is a little high, so perhaps bringing that down a little may help somewhat.

If you have further questions after reviewing the deficiency chart, or if you would like to provide your water parameters, then we will be glad to try and help you further!

We are able to support pictures on this forum and would love to see some pictures of your tank!