Diagnosing and treating brown leaves

[connie]

I'd say too much fertilizer is the likely culprit here. You mentioned using root tabs for the hygro stems, and I think that might be overdoing it, especially since the other plants seem fine without any extra fertilizer.

I'm starting to think the plants are competing for light now. Like, I never had issues before adding the new plants. It feels like the lights were fine for what I had, but now maybe it's not enough.

bronze_shield said:



...And blue is great for algae.

That 'brown' does look a little algae-like, maybe even diatoms. Nothing to worry about, but besides reviewing your lighting, just check that you aren't overfeeding and supplying excess nutrients.

I think I might be overfeeding since I got a new fish. I actually just got a new light stick, $12 tetra brand LED. So, will too much light make the brown algae worse or is it leaving the lights on for too long?

[bronze_shield]

I'd say too much fertilizer is the likely culprit here. You mentioned using root tabs for the hygro stems, and I think that might be overdoing it, especially since the other plants seem fine without any extra fertilizer.

Short answer is yes, but it's unlikely your new plants are completely overshadowing the older ones.

ChubbyBetta said:



Hmm this sounds like it may be the case, definitely been feeding more since adding a new fish. After reading a comment yesterday I went ahead and purchased a light stick to add to my existing light. Now, will too much light cause the brown algae or, leaving the lights on for too long cause it? Also, the new light stick really isn't much $12 tetra brand led

It's not the intensity of the light that's the issue, it's how long it's on. We tend to keep the lights on longer than we need to, so we can see what's going on in the tank. Cutting the lighting time down will actually starve the algae.
Now, about nutrition, some plants get their nutrients mainly through their roots, while others get it through their stems and leaves. And it's not always a straightforward thing - root feeders can get nutrients through their stems and leaves too, and stem-feeders can get it through their roots. Normally, the plants will take up most of the available nutrients, leaving the algae to struggle. But if there's too many nutrients floating around, the algae will start to bloom, including diatoms.

[connie]

I'd say too much fertilizer is the likely culprit here. You mentioned using root tabs for the hygro stems, and I think that might be overdoing it, especially since the other plants seem fine without any extra fertilizer.

Blue light's actually a bit of a blessing for algae growth.

I've taken another look at those pics, and I'm starting to think that brownish tint might be algae-like, possibly even diatoms. Nothing too alarming, but it's worth double-checking your feeding schedule to make sure you're not overdoing it and inadvertently supplying excess nutrients.

Really appreciate the insight, thanks a ton for the help.

[brunobear]

I'd say too much fertilizer is the likely culprit here. You mentioned using root tabs for the hygro stems, and I think that might be overdoing it, especially since the other plants seem fine without any extra fertilizer.

Blue light's actually a bit of a blessing for algae growth.

I've taken another look at those pics, and I'm starting to think that brownish tint might be algae-like, possibly even diatoms. Nothing too alarming, but it's worth double-checking your feeding schedule to make sure you're not overdoing it and inadvertently supplying excess nutrients.

Those running EI have got something to say about this. Thing is, when you don't balance plant growth, nutrients, and lighting, you're gonna get algae.

[bronze_shield]

EI, or Excess Iron, isn't the issue here - it's about balance. Too much of a good thing can still cause algae to bloom. Balance between plant mass, available nutrients, and lighting is key.

[boomer]

Too much of a good thing can be just as bad as too little - this is especially true when it comes to nutrients and lighting in our tanks. I've found that even a slight imbalance can lead to problem algae, and I've learned this the hard way. For instance, I've had issues with black brush algae twice, both times due to over-fertilizing with liquid fertilizer. One dose per week was fine, but two doses per week and I had a problem on my hands.

Now, I know some of you might be thinking of using the EI method, but I would advise against it. This method is more suited to high-tech systems with intense lighting and CO2, and even then, it's not ideal. The truth is, plants need a delicate balance of 17 different nutrients, and overdosing on one can cause them to stop assimilating others. In low-tech tanks like mine, where fish are the main priority and plants are there for aesthetics and water quality, we only need to provide supplemental fertilizing.

The key is to find a balance between the nutrients available and the light intensity. I've found that comprehensive liquid fertilizers like Seachem's Flourish Comprehensive Supplement or Brightwell Aquatics' FlorinMulti work well for this. These products contain the necessary nutrients in the right proportions, and they're designed to be used in conjunction with the natural nutrients provided by the fish and water changes.

Of course, not all plants are created equal, and some will do better in certain tanks than others. I've found that moderate lighting works well for my fish, and I've chosen plants that thrive in these conditions. I've also learned to pay attention to the appearance of problem algae, as this is often a sign of an imbalance.

So, to answer your question, I would recommend reducing the photoperiod to 8 hours and using a timer to keep it consistent. I've found that this helps to balance the nutrients and prevent problem algae. It's also a good idea to check the spectrum of your tank light - a higher Kelvin rating can make a big difference. And remember, a consistent day-night cycle is important for both fish and plants, so try to avoid direct sunlight and use blinds or drapes to block out any ambient light.