Re-dosing schedule questions

[matti]

I've been dosing my planted tank with Seachem Flourish twice a week, but my Java Ferns still look kinda sad. Should I increase the frequency or switch to something else? Tank's a 20 gallon, stocked with 6 Harlequin Rasboras and a few Amano shrimp. Substrate is inert gravel, lighting's moderate, 6 hours a day.

[Aurorix8]

Java Ferns are slow growers, so they might not show improvement right away. What's your nitrate level at? If it's below 10 ppm, you might wanna bump up the dosing to three times a week. Also, consider adding root tabs if you're not already. They're low-maintenance but still need some nutrients.

[north9]

Java Ferns are slow growers, so they might not show improvement right away. What's your nitrate level at? If it's below 10 ppm, you might wanna bump up the dosing to three times a week. Also, consider adding root tabs if you're not already. They're low-maintenance but still need some nutrients.

Yep, root tabs helped my Java Ferns a ton. I use Osmocote Plus in gel caps, cheap and effective. How often are you doing water changes, matti?

[lowlands]

Dunno about all the chem stuff, but my Java Ferns perked up when I moved 'em to a spot with less flow. Maybe they're getting blasted by your filter? Try tucking 'em in a quieter corner and see if that helps.

[sweetbread]

I had the same issue with my Java Ferns until I started dosing Excel alongside Flourish. Not sure if it's the combo or just the Excel, but they're way greener now. Tank's a 15 gallon with sand substrate and a sponge filter.

[matti]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Nitrates are around 5 ppm, so I'll try upping the Flourish to three times a week and add root tabs. I'll also check the flow—they are near the filter output.

[Aurorix8]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Nitrates are around 5 ppm, so I'll try upping the Flourish to three times a week and add root tabs. I'll also check the flow—they are near the filter output.

Good call. Keep an eye on algae, though. More ferts can sometimes mean more algae if the plants aren't using it all. Maybe bump the light to 7 hours if you're increasing nutrients.

[north9]

If you're gonna increase light, do it slowly. Like 30 minutes extra every week until you hit 7 or 8 hours. Sudden changes can freak out the plants and fish. Also, what's your water change schedule like? Consistency helps a lot with dosing.

[lowlands]

Yeah, my tank's a mess if I skip water changes for even a week. I do 25% every Sunday, no exceptions. Keeps everything chill and stable.

[sweetbread]

Yeah, my tank's a mess if I skip water changes for even a week. I do 25% every Sunday, no exceptions. Keeps everything chill and stable.

Same here. Routine is key. I even set a phone reminder so I don't forget. My Java Ferns started melting once when I slacked off for two weeks.