plants turning blk

Question
hi christy,
i am glad that you are available to answer my query..i will be highly obliged if you could answer as early as possible.
i have a 90 gallon planted aquarium...my all plants have started to turn black...also followed by few casualities. i wonder why is this happening.


Answer
Hi Tarun
Well, I'm no expert on plants, just got into trying them myself a few months ago.  One thing I've learned though, there's 3 requirements-fertilizer, lighting, and CO2.  Now I only have 2 of my tanks with some plants in them, mostly java ferns, 1 tank with java moss, and some other plants I forgot which...I have plant lights on both tanks, and one I add a liquid fertilizer regularly.  The other tank, I usually forget to add the fertilizer.  That tank, the leaves are starting to turn a brownish and yellow color.  I don't use a CO2 system on any of the tanks, just haven't gotten around to it.  Here's some great links I use with info on keeping planted tanks.  My tanks are both smaller then yours, so I can't tell you what the proper lighting requirement is, but I'm sure you can find it on there.  If you do have the proper lighting, my guess would be to start using a fertilizer.  I've used a few brands, I like the ones that have a higher iron content, also make sure it has some potassium in the ingredient list.  If you have the good lighting, and are using a fertilizer, might need to go with a CO2 dispenser.  One of these links has a do-it-yourself system, and it seems pretty easy to make.

http://madhunag.tripod.com/

http://naturalaquariums.com/

Also, one of those I think the 2nd link has a plant list.  Apparantly it's common for stores to sell aquarium plants, that aren't meant to be kept under water.  Off hand I know Mondo Grass is commonly sold as an aquarium plant, but it's not a water plant.  

Hope that helps and good luck with your plants!!

Christy
PS:  Sorry I couldn't get back with you sooner!!!