Question: Plant food

[Bobillion]

Hey everybody, I haven't been on the forums in awhile!

So anyways, I changed around my aquarium setup some time ago (switched to sand, etc.) and I put some live plants in, too. They've survived this long (around two months, now) but they don't really seem to be thriving. Yellowing would be the word I'd use, really. The plants are Java Fern, Anubias (nana, I think, I can't remember), and Amazon Spear Grass. They're all fairly small, but I only have one axolotl. Is that too many plants for just one?

I was wondering what the word was on plant food or additives, and if there was a safe option to try to boost the nutrient levels in the tank. Obviously I'm extremely wary of putting any chemicals into the water, but he just doesn't seem to be outputting enough nutrients on his own. And I don't want the plants to start rotting :\ Oh, that reminds me of another question: if the plants are sucking out everything they can get and are still left hungry, should I, er, leave the waste in the water instead of removing it, to help them out?

Thanks!

 

[Jennewt]

Have you tested the nitrate level in the tank? That would give you some idea how much "natural fertilizer" is already there. It might already be more than enough. Besides fertilizer, plants have two other requirements: CO2 and light. Make sure your tank has good aeration, which may help with CO2 (to some extent). And what kind of lighting does the tank have?

Any parts of the plants that begin to decay should be removed promptly. They can be bad for water quality.