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Re: calcium deficiency
adeana bishop wrote:
>> 30 gallon, 30 watts fluorescent light, CO2 injection, sand over,
laterite/sand substrate, GH 60 ppm, alkalinity 80 ppm, iron 0.05
(LaMotte)
The sags(dwarf) are showing new growth that is very pale, nearly
white. The older leaves are still green. The new leaves are beginning
to turn translucent at the base. The new leaves on H. polysperma
appear slightly crinkled. None of the other plants, crypts, sword,
ludwigia evidence any problems. Can this be attributed entirely to
Ca, or am I Fe deficient as well? <<
I don't think it's likely that you are low in Fe. 0.05ppm Fe is
adequate. I presume that you are maintaining a regular dosing schedule
for Dupla Drops or whatever micro-nutrient supplement you are using
(since you've gone to the expense of a LaMotte test kit & CO2
injection)
It is normal for the new leaves of many types of plants to be quite
pale since they are still actively growing. I wouldn't necesarily take
that as a symptom of trouble unless there is no evidence of any growth
at all after several days. Your light levels are low and clear leaves
could be rotting. If that is the case, the clear leaves should start
to disintegrate in a few days so either way, you should be able to
notice a difference. Can you see new leaves forming on any of your
other plants?
The deformed leaves of H. poly however could be a symptom of Calcium
or Boron deficiency. Try dissolving a teaspoon of calcium carbonate
powder in your tank and see if the H. poly growth becomes normal after
a week or so. Since your light is not strong, I wouldn't expect to see
much growth (or deficiency symptoms) in the other plants in a short
time frame. Boron is provided in most nutrient mixes so should not be
a problem. Lack of Ca is the most likely cause of the deformed new
leaves.
A lack of iron can be seen if you have floating plants like Salvinia
or Frogbit by a lack of new growth and small pale leaves on the
Salvinia. In the H. poly look for pale new leaves especially with
yellow veins. You can validate the accuracy of your test kit by
comparing your aquarium water results with distilled water. You don't
want to overdose your iron.
Steve P. in Vancouver where it's Hot and Windy (for a change!)