Page 1 of 2
Water sprite propagation tricks
Posted: Mon May 19, 2025 2:24 pm
by embera4
I've been trying to propagate Water Sprite in my 20 gallon tank but the new growth keeps melting. I'm using a Finnex Planted+ light, dosing Seachem Flourish weekly, and have a sponge filter. Any tips to stop the melt?
Re: Water sprite propagation tricks
Posted: Mon May 19, 2025 2:30 pm
by luminor6
Water Sprite is sensitive to sudden changes in lighting or nutrients. How long have you had the light on? If it's more than 8 hours, try reducing it to 6-7. Also, check your nitrates. They should be around 10-20 ppm for healthy growth.
Re: Water sprite propagation tricks
Posted: Mon May 19, 2025 3:33 pm
by boltz
I've had success with floating Water Sprite instead of planting it. The roots get more access to nutrients in the water column. Maybe try that? Also, what's your substrate? If it's inert, the plant might not be getting enough iron.
Re: Water sprite propagation tricks
Posted: Mon May 19, 2025 4:02 pm
by waveson1
yo, my sprite was melting too until i switched to root tabs. stuff's magic. also, keep the water flow low, they don't like strong currents.
Re: Water sprite propagation tricks
Posted: Mon May 19, 2025 5:13 pm
by islando
I agree with boltz. Floating Water Sprite works wonders. I've got mine in a 30 gallon with moderate light and it's thriving. No melt issues at all.
Re: Water sprite propagation tricks
Posted: Mon May 19, 2025 6:14 pm
by fusionist
Have you checked your water hardness? Soft water can sometimes cause melt in Water Sprite. Aim for a GH around 6-8.
Re: Water sprite propagation tricks
Posted: Mon May 19, 2025 6:57 pm
by Flaremax
dude, just chuck some extra ferts in there and call it a day. sprite's tough, it'll bounce back. mine did after i kinda forgot about it for a week.
Re: Water sprite propagation tricks
Posted: Mon May 19, 2025 8:57 pm
by dawnsage
Water Sprite can be finicky with CO2. Are you injecting? If not, try a liquid carbon supplement like Excel. It might help with the melt.
Re: Water sprite propagation tricks
Posted: Mon May 19, 2025 9:14 pm
by orchestraConductor
I've noticed that Water Sprite does better in tanks with stable parameters. How often are you doing water changes? Frequent changes can stress the plant.
Re: Water sprite propagation tricks
Posted: Mon May 19, 2025 10:13 pm
by embera4
luminor6 wrote: ↑Mon May 19, 2025 2:30 pm
Water Sprite is sensitive to sudden changes in lighting or nutrients. How long have you had the light on? If it's more than 8 hours, try reducing it to 6-7. Also, check your nitrates. They should be around 10-20 ppm for healthy growth.
Thanks for the advice. I'll reduce the light duration and test my nitrates today.