plant deficiency - help

[timwag2001]

here is a pic of some pogostemon stellatus thats affected


and some rotala rotundifolia

[Jeff5614]

I'm trying to decide if I should just cut and paste my first response, but I still think it's a CO2 issue based on my experience with the same type growth on the same plant. I still see it from time to time on some stems if I don't thin them out some. After thinning the new growth is back to normal. The reason for this in my tank, IMO, is because the thick growth decreases the flow through those plants and prevents them from getting enough CO2. I've also seen this kind of growth on the same plant when I was running with a lower bubble count. I tweaked the bubble count, even though I had a light green drop checker, along with circulation and growth became normal.

In your case it may be lack of Ca and/or Mg but I can only go on what worked for me in this case. You have a lot of light, especially if you're using T5's or have a good reflector. More light means your CO2 demand goes up as does the demand for other nutrients and it makes things harder to maintain even though a lot of people manage to do it well with a lot of light. Anyway, just trying to toss out an idea or two for you to consider.

[timwag2001]

i hear what you're saying but my co2 levels seem to be pretty high in here and the plants in question always seem to be in open areas with enough water flow. and i understand that the lighting can cause the need for more uptake but i've had the same issue with half of the lighting i have now.

i have upped my co2 although its making me kinda nervous. and my gh booster just came in so i'll start dosing that on sunday after my 50%.

anyone think anything else? anyone agree with low co2 or lack of gh booster?
anything?