So I put 1 JMB fert ball (under a peace lily) and 2 API root tabs (under each clump of java fern) about an inch under silica sand and now a few days later and my water is cloudy! It has never been cloudy before so I only assume its b/c of the fert. i added. Is this normal and it will subside naturally when plants absorb the stuff or did i do something wrong here.

My tank is 40L and ammonia is 0. There are no dosing instructions for the JBL balls but i only used one...maybe its too much for this sized tank? The API root tabs say to put in 6 (!!!) in a 40 L...thats crazy...i only used 2.

I've done a few 50% water changes since this problem arose, but its not really fixing it. Fish look happy but i don't want my plants to die from lack of light. Should i try and remove any remainder of the tabs/ball or just leave things? I miss my crystal clear water

Cheers

The JBL fert balls break down to a fine suspension and make the water cloudy if the media gets stirred up.

Do I just wait it out then?

you havent planted java fern in the substrate have you?

I have planted it in sand (not gravel) and its growing quiet happily there!

lucky you. I cant get it to grow. :lol: (too much light).

the fert balls can make the water quite cloudy if they get stirred up. filter wool can help with that.

Yeah, most leaves are getting quite big and they are a nice shade of green, but there are some that get all brittle and holey...so i thought i'd add some ferts.

I've never had success when growing them in gravel, but i saw lots of aquariums where they were planted right into the sand so i thought i'd give it a go. I don't know if i have the same species as the ones i've researched but it appears to be working so far.

Can they really get too much light? I was worried mine wasn't getting enough. So many people have them really high up on wood though! Man this plant thing is complicated

Thanks for the advice, I will try adding some wool.