Jungle Valisneria melting?

[Stinson Beach Aquatics]

Hello! I purchased some new plants a couple of weeks ago and after some time, everything has bounced back except for some jungle valisneria. Is it normal for the plant to melt back a lot when placed in a new tank? This is my first time keeping this plant and I just want to make sure. The tank has strong lighting, no co2 and no fertilizer (for now). Thanks! 🙏 

Edited September 3 by Stinson Beach Aquatics

[Mmiller2001]

It’s not normal for plants to melt without cause. No 

On 9/2/2024 at 6:56 PM, Stinson Beach Aquatics said:

no fertilizer

This is why. Plants need food.

[Stinson Beach Aquatics]

Okay, my lfs is now selling Aquarium Co-op fertilizer so I’ll pick up some of that soon.

[EricksonAquatics]

Fertilizer is definitely a must for plants, but it is normal for Val to melt back at the beginning as it adjusts to your water. Give it time (and root tabs!)

[Mmiller2001]

On 9/3/2024 at 5:20 PM, EricksonAquatics said:

Give it time (and root tabs!)

Time yes, root tabs are not necessary, don’t fall into the trap. Here’s my tank, notice the val on the right.

Edited September 3 by Mmiller2001

[lefty o]

fertilizer, and time. val seems to take a while to get happy and start growing when newly placed in an aquarium.

[EricksonAquatics]

On 9/3/2024 at 5:23 PM, Mmiller2001 said:

don’t fall into the trap.

I would love to quit root tabs, but on tanks not injecting CO2, are they still helpful?

[Mmiller2001]

On 9/3/2024 at 7:44 PM, EricksonAquatics said:

I would love to quit root tabs, but on tanks not injecting CO2, are they still helpful?

No, all of my tanks are injected with CO2. I drive the system harder than any non-CO2 tank obviously, so if I don’t use root tabs, how does non injected CO2 tanks need tab? The cold hard reality is a successful aquarium is controlled with precise nutrients, solid water changes, and husbandry.