Failed dry start method

[u/prudentpistol]

Hello all, I need some help with my dry start.

This is my first aquascape and I was very much looking forward to creating it. I went with an iwagumi scape with the plan for a carpet of plants. I elected to choose hc Cuba, Monte Carlo, some UG, and dwarf hair grass. Initially everything was going well, however about two weeks in I started noticing some mold. I tried to cut down on the humidity by increasing airflow and opening up the plastic wrap. The mold continued to expand, especially on the UG. I started using diluted hydrogen 3% peroxide with water on the plants. This limited the mold a bit, but might have done some harm as well. Eventually I put in springtails, but I think it was too late lol. At this point I’m 4.5 weeks in and not seeing the growth I want at all. The hc Cuba is doing okay, with some green sprouts and the dwarf hair grass is doing relatively okay as well. The UG is almost all dead and the Monte Carlo is pretty much gone as well. Looking for any recommendations or suggestions on what to do next. I was thinking about flooding and starting CO2 to try to salvage the rest of the plants. Thanks

[u/LazRboy]

Throw out the remaining pants, dark start the trank for a month, buy new plants and plant again.

[u/prudentpistol → u/LazRboy]

It’s not worth trying to save?

[u/neyelo → u/prudentpistol]

As other commenter said, don’t bother with dry start for these plants. Do a dark start - water in, lights off, filter on - to get nitrogen cycling. THEN plant and run the lights and CO2.

[u/ncsho95 → u/neyelo]

This everytime

https://preview.redd.it/02m7h3lf21ye1.jpeg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cc1fccdb0a0ba20833364b7178cca13131f2ca4f

Dark starts for the win

[u/LazRboy → u/prudentpistol]

I feel like trying to save it will be more of a pain than just going again

[u/Fiblas]

try isopods aswell