What’s wrong with my Val?

[Dyzir13]

In May I purchased Val Torta from Dustin’s fish tanks as I heard good things. They went in my newly established 65 gallon along with swords, Java fern and anubias a friend gave me. They have really struggled and I can’t figure out why because I thought they were an easy plant. My parameters and pics are below. Any thoughts? I’m considering trying again but maybe should skip that specific Val.  It’s hard to see the second bunch of Val in the back behind the rocks next to air bubbles. 
 

Temp is 75, lights 8 hrs day, easy green fertilizer 2x week, CaribSea ecocomplete substrate 

Edited July 28, 2023 by Dyzir13

[JettsPapa]

My only experience with vallisneria is corkscrew val, but when I put it in a new tank it seems to just sit there doing nothing for quite a while, and then all of a sudden it's trying to take over the tank.  I suspect it just needs more time.

[Fish Folk]

Add a root tab. Lift base of roots nearer surface. If it’s buried too deep, the plant might be struggling to send out new leaves and runners.

[MattyM]

Are you using any sort of liquid carbon? Vals can be sensitive to that, though I haven't experienced it. 

[Dyzir13]

On 7/28/2023 at 4:34 PM, MattyM said:

Are you using any sort of liquid carbon? Vals can be sensitive to that, though I haven't experienced it. 

I am not using any carbon but have read the same. I’m going to look closer at the roots and add a tab. See if they help it move in the right direction.