how to Avoid plant debris

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lavender
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2023 4:37 pm

how to Avoid plant debris

Post by lavender »

My tank's been getting a lot of plant debris lately, especially from the Amazon Sword and Java Fern. I do weekly water changes, but the debris keeps coming back. Any tips on reducing it without harming the plants or fish?
onyxid
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Oct 04, 2024 1:19 pm

Re: how to Avoid plant debris

Post by onyxid »

First thing, check your filter. If it's not strong enough, debris will just circulate. I run a canister filter with a fine sponge pre-filter, catches most of the gunk before it settles. Also, trimming dead leaves regularly helps.
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kayos
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:12 am

Re: how to Avoid plant debris

Post by kayos »

I've got the same issue with my Anubias. Maybe it's the light? I dunno, but it's kinda annoying. My tank's only 10 gallons, so it gets messy fast.
Bondette
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Mar 26, 2023 6:51 pm

Re: how to Avoid plant debris

Post by Bondette »

Plant debris can be frustrating, but don't worry, it's manageable. How often are you trimming your plants? Regular maintenance is key. Also, consider adding a small cleanup crew like shrimp or snails. They help a lot.
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zenrow
Posts: 45
Joined: Thu Feb 17, 2022 1:01 pm

Re: how to Avoid plant debris

Post by zenrow »

Debris is part of the game, man. If you're not into the natural look, gotta up your maintenance. More water changes, better filtration, and maybe cut back on feeding. Overfeeding = more waste.
lavender
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2023 4:37 pm

Re: how to Avoid plant debris

Post by lavender »

onyxid wrote: Sat Sep 06, 2025 3:19 am First thing, check your filter. If it's not strong enough, debris will just circulate. I run a canister filter with a fine sponge pre-filter, catches most of the gunk before it settles. Also, trimming dead leaves regularly helps.
Thanks, I'll look into a better filter. My current one's pretty basic.
onyxid
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Oct 04, 2024 1:19 pm

Re: how to Avoid plant debris

Post by onyxid »

kayos wrote: Sat Sep 06, 2025 6:35 am I've got the same issue with my Anubias. Maybe it's the light? I dunno, but it's kinda annoying. My tank's only 10 gallons, so it gets messy fast.
Light could be a factor, but Anubias are low-light plants. If they're melting, check your water params. High nitrates can cause that.
Bondette
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Mar 26, 2023 6:51 pm

Re: how to Avoid plant debris

Post by Bondette »

Another thing to consider is your substrate. If it's too fine, debris can get trapped and decompose. A coarser substrate might help, or even a thin layer of sand on top.
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zenrow
Posts: 45
Joined: Thu Feb 17, 2022 1:01 pm

Re: how to Avoid plant debris

Post by zenrow »

Yep, substrate's a big deal. I switched to gravel and saw less debris. Also, stop messing with the tank so much. Every time you dig around, you stir up junk.
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kayos
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:12 am

Re: how to Avoid plant debris

Post by kayos »

Bondette wrote: Sat Sep 06, 2025 11:03 am Plant debris can be frustrating, but don't worry, it's manageable. How often are you trimming your plants? Regular maintenance is key. Also, consider adding a small cleanup crew like shrimp or snails. They help a lot.
I've got some shrimp, but they're lazy. Maybe I need more.
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