Why is my dwarf sag turning yellow?

[cichlidgirl22]

My dwarf sag's turning yellow and melting.
I've got it planted in quikrete pfs with flourish root tabs.

I'm thinking low iron might be the issue, but should I add more tabs?
They don't use liquid ferts, right?
Any other ideas what's going on here?

[boomer]

Dwarf Sagittaria can be a bit finicky in some tanks, and I've noticed that it doesn't always thrive. I'd recommend supplementing the substrate tabs with a comprehensive liquid fertilizer, like Flourish Comprehensive Supplement for the Planted Aquarium - it works well with the Flourish Tabs. Just be careful not to dose additional iron, as both products already contain sufficient amounts for low-tech or natural setups like yours.

According to Christine Kasselmann's 2003 book, this plant does best in moderately hard to hard water. I had some experience with it in the past, but unfortunately, it suddenly died off after several months. On the other hand, my Helanthium tenellum, or pygmy chain sword, did amazingly well for years. If you can find one, I'd definitely suggest giving it a try - once established, it'll start sending out runners with new plants.

[Giggletons]

It's possible that since the dwarf sag is new, it was grown emersed and is now struggling to transition to a submersed environment.

[cichlidgirl22]

Thanks so much for the suggestions, guys. I'll definitely look into that Helanthium tenellum, @boomer - appreciate the rec.

[cichlidgirl22]

Here are some pics of the plants - they're all struggling.

[boomer]

I'd definitely consider adding Flourish Comprehensive Supplement to your regimen, it's a great liquid fertilizer that complements the substrate tabs nicely. The tabs are more beneficial for plants like swords, which absorb nutrients from the substrate, but for stem plants like your dwarf sag, a comprehensive liquid fertilizer is likely to be more effective.