First, I wanted to start by introducing myself to this wonderful forum. I have been lurking for a month or two now and have come to really enjoy reading everything posted here. I really like the focus on the technical and scientific aspects of the hobby that other sites ignore/overlook.
I am a Masters student at Texas A&M University studying the feeding preference of grass carp for several new species of macrophytes. I also have done significant work with Prymnesium parvum, a HAB (harmful algal bloom) forming species that is common throughout Texas and has spread to many other states.
Now on to my question.
Lately I have been having an issue with premature leaf loss, leaf melt and a host of other issues in my tank. The general symptom is a dead patch or spots on the leaf that spread and eventually leads to total leaf loss. My fast growing stems are affected, while my crypts appear to be fine. Representative images are below.
Tank specs:
29 gallon
Custom dimmable LED fixture
Pressurized CO2, 4 BPS through Rex style reactor
EI dosing, plus extra K and P
Turface substrate, with Osmocote gel caps below stems
I don't currently have a testing kit to measure nutrient levels, but should have one soon.
My inclination is that, despite a yellow DC and 4 BPS, I have a CO2 deficiency, most likely due to poor circulation in the tank. I have since added a Hagen Mini Elite filter (~80 GPH if I remember correctly) to increase circulation and eliminate dead spots. Since then, the Alternanthera developed the dead patch on the leaf as seen in the image.
I am a Masters student at Texas A&M University studying the feeding preference of grass carp for several new species of macrophytes. I also have done significant work with Prymnesium parvum, a HAB (harmful algal bloom) forming species that is common throughout Texas and has spread to many other states.
Now on to my question.
Lately I have been having an issue with premature leaf loss, leaf melt and a host of other issues in my tank. The general symptom is a dead patch or spots on the leaf that spread and eventually leads to total leaf loss. My fast growing stems are affected, while my crypts appear to be fine. Representative images are below.
Tank specs:
29 gallon
Custom dimmable LED fixture
Pressurized CO2, 4 BPS through Rex style reactor
EI dosing, plus extra K and P
Turface substrate, with Osmocote gel caps below stems
I don't currently have a testing kit to measure nutrient levels, but should have one soon.
My inclination is that, despite a yellow DC and 4 BPS, I have a CO2 deficiency, most likely due to poor circulation in the tank. I have since added a Hagen Mini Elite filter (~80 GPH if I remember correctly) to increase circulation and eliminate dead spots. Since then, the Alternanthera developed the dead patch on the leaf as seen in the image.
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