Help with low tech tank, stem plants

[rsieg]

I have a 20 gal hex tank (24” tall) with gravel substrate, Hygger 14W LED light on 8h. I have no problem with Anubias, Java Fern, Crypts and floating Amazon Frogbit, but have been unsuccessful with tall stem plants for the background. I have tried Bacopa monnieri and caroliniana, Ludwigia repens, and Hygrophilia difformis (eaten up by my two Buenos Aires tetras). The repens melted, Bacopa lost most leaves and just grows algae. I just planted Anacharis several days ago and it’s turning pale and brown (photo).

Temp 79-80 (mainly for my German Blue Ram), pH 7.4, GH 5-6, KH 4, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrates 10-20. I have tried Flourish and Thrive C, also a few root tabs. No injected CO2.

Any help appreciated!

 

[Mooner]

Can't speak to Flourish(trace?) or Thrive C, I use salts based on https://rotalabutterfly.com/nutrient-calculator.php.
I grow B. Caroliniana in low tech tanks using EI low light dosing with surface agitation(non-CO2)(no Excel)
Water temp is high IMO, could be part of the problem.

 

[rsieg]

I turned down the temp and waited a week. The bottom 2/3 of anacharis stems are pale or almost bare, but the top parts are light green. Should I re-plant the tops and discard the bottoms?
Thanks for your help!

 

[Mmiller2001]

This may be either too little light or a mobile nutrient problem. What kind of light are you using?

 

[Mooner]

Hi rsieg
yes, replant the top and discard the rest. You should see slow and consistent growth when the tank is balanced.