First go with real plants

[skjl47]

They are shedding their old leaves, there are new ones coming in 3 to 4 each.

Hello; the crypts tend to sort of melt at times. That new leaves are growing is a good sign

Vals are in the same spot of sorts not shedding but not growing either, think its because on the edge of the light. That will be solved in a week with the new 4ft light

Hello; this sounds right.

 

[Jexnell]

I did have a question, is this some king of algea colony, showed up last couple days.
Also there are these fluffy things growing off the driftwood.

 

[Hendre]

Fluff on wood is normal and will dissapear with time.

Crypts may have been grown emersed (out of water) and may be melting after the conversion which takes a while, new growth is good though!

 

[Jexnell]

So I was thinking of getting some Nerite snails, from what I have read they help with algea control and general tank cleaning. Do you think the JDs will eat them, or maybe the Synadonis?

 

[Hendre]

So I was thinking of getting some Nerite snails, from what I have read they help with algea control and general tank cleaning. Do you think the JDs will eat them, or maybe the Synadonis?

They may... Best thing against algae is a credit card sort thing. Or a toothbrush on decor

 

[Jexnell]

Update:

I pulled out all of the crypts and the last off the old java fern I had in there.

I added in some more Italian Vals and some more swords, also the tank got some driftwood added and some rocks taken out.

Also I took out the giant danios and added in ten blood fin tetras

 

[tarheel96]

What happened with the old plants? Were the leaves covered in algae and dead or dying?

 

[Jexnell]

Jack the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey didn't much care for the crypts, he systematically chewed all of the leaves off, down at the base of the plant, so I took that as a demand to take these dang thinks out of his tank. He leaves the Vals and swords alone so I'll stay with them.

 

[Jexnell]

Update:
I got my 4ft light finally.

Can't use hood till I make a notch in the wood for the light.

 

[tarheel96]

That looks like a big difference in the overall brightness. It will help with the plant growth as long as nutrients and co2 are available. Lookout where there is stagnant growth or on the white sand because algae will grow faster with more light. In your water, I think brown diatom algae causes a problem.