HOW TO: Seek advice in a thread for planted tank related issues

[jobber604]

If you’re unable to find the information on this site or through a google search for your plant tank related issues. You can post your questions in the Plants/Algae/Ferts/EI/CO2/Lighting section.



BBA, pinholes on leaves, brown stuff, green spots, yellow leaves, plant leaves are melting….the list of plated related problems goes on.

We’ve all been there and experienced it. In order to help us help you get the right answer or direct you to a possible resolution to your plant or algae problem, please ensure you have the information included in your thread necessary for a forum member to help you. . This helps save time, redundancy, and repetitive posts.

Remember that in order for plants to grow healthy, they need a good balance of nutrients, light, and CO2 source.

DO NOT simply say you need help with your planted tank issues. HELP US HELP YOU: Please ensure you include the following information in your thread and provide a description of what the problem is. A picture of the problem would also expedite receiving an answer. (HOW TO: Post embedded pictures on BCA)

Size of tank: (how many gallons?)
Type of lighting (include size of fixture): (36” T5HO, 24” T8, 48” LED,…)
Single or Dual bulb: (how many bulbs is your fixture?"
Duration of photoperiod: (the number of hours you have your lights on per day)
Type of substrate: (sand, gravel, eco-complete, barebottom, ADA…)
Frequency of dosing fertilizers (name them): (Only dose Seachem Comprehensive every day, dry fertilizers as per EI)
Temperature of your tank: (celcius or Fahrenheit)
pH: (do a pH test of your water)
GH: (do a GH test of your water)
KH: (do a GH test of your water)
Nitrate levels: (provide a ppm measure of nitrate if known, unknown…)
CO2 source: (metricide, excel, CO2 injection, none…)
How often do you do water change: (every 2 months)
How much water do you change: (10% each time)
Type of fish and how many in the tank: (12 ancistrus plecos, goldfish, 1000 cardinal tetras)
What do you feed your fish and how often: (ex. I feed my fish a handful of flake food every hour)
Do you have algae in the tank? (Yes I have this algae that look like black brush algae)
Description of your plant/algae problem: (ex. I’m noticing pinholes in my amazon swords, leaves are turning yellow, the valisnera is melting)


Tank of fenster58 (90cm planted tank)


Some additional threads that may help remedy your issue:
Black Brush Algae (BBA): Getting rid of Green spot algae
Estimated Index Fertilizer dosing: Intro To EI (estimated Index)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Guide: Basic Guide to Carbon Dioxide
Lighting Information: Basic Guide To Lighting
Water parameter in the Lower Mainland: Water supply issue in the lower mainland

[Diztrbd1]

Great thread & awesome job Ming!!

[jobber604]

Thanks for collaborating and doing the proofread

[Tazzy_toon]

Thanks for putting this together. A Newbie like myself, doesn't always know/remember what information is needed to get help from all you wonderfully experienced people.

Good job!

[Atom]

Very thorough. Now I wish I could repost my thread. Lots of things I missed! Thanks.

[taureandragon76]

thread stuck