is my tank too old for new plants?

[clownie]

Got this tank running for like 3 years now, substrate's kinda beat up. Wanna add some Cryptocoryne but worried the old setup's gonna mess with 'em. Filter's a Fluval 207, light's a Nicrew, no CO2. Y'all think it's cool or nah?

[haven_9]

3 years ain't that old, dude. Crypts are tough as nails. What's your substrate? If it's just gravel, might wanna toss in root tabs. My Crypt Wendtii's been thriving in a 5-year-old tank with basic sand, no fancy stuff.

[RavenFusion]

Age doesn't matter as much as stability. Test your nitrates, though. Old tanks can build up organics in the substrate. If you're under 20 ppm, go for it. Crypts melt at first but bounce back if the roots are healthy.

[Ticgo]

I added Cryptocoryne Balansae to my 4-year-old tank last month. It melted a little but now has new leaves. Just keep up with weekly water changes, maybe 30%. Your light's fine for low-tech Crypts.

[clownie]

3 years ain't that old, dude. Crypts are tough as nails. What's your substrate? If it's just gravel, might wanna toss in root tabs. My Crypt Wendtii's been thriving in a 5-year-old tank with basic sand, no fancy stuff.

Aight, bet. Substrate's just plain gravel, no cap. Gonna grab some root tabs then. Appreciate it.

[haven_9]

Root tabs are clutch for gravel. Stick 'em deep near where you plant the Crypts. Also, don't freak if they melt. Mine looked dead for weeks, then popped out new leaves like it was nothing.

[RavenFusion]

Root tabs are clutch for gravel. Stick 'em deep near where you plant the Crypts. Also, don't freak if they melt. Mine looked dead for weeks, then popped out new leaves like it was nothing.

Exactly. Crypts are drama queens at first. Just don't move them once planted. They hate that more than high nitrates.

[Ticgo]

One more tip: if your tank has shrimp, they'll love the melted leaves. Free biofilm buffet. Just net out the dead bits so they don't spike ammonia. My Amanos cleaned up the melt in days.