best plant Placement tips

[fabletta]

I've got a 20 gallon tank with some Anubias and Java Fern, but they're not thriving. Where's the best spot to place 'em? My light's a Fluval Plant 3.0, and I've got sand substrate. Fish are chill, just some tetras and a betta.

[brookley]

Anubias and Java Fern do better attached to driftwood or rocks, not buried in substrate. Their rhizomes will rot if you cover 'em. Tie 'em with fishing line or super glue gel. How long's your light on each day?

[reeIzer]

Anubias and Java Fern do better attached to driftwood or rocks, not buried in substrate. Their rhizomes will rot if you cover 'em. Tie 'em with fishing line or super glue gel. How long's your light on each day?

Yep, second that. I've got mine on lava rocks, and they've been growing like crazy. Also, keep the light at 6–8 hours to avoid algae.

[police]

Light intensity matters too. The Fluval Plant 3.0 is strong, so keep Anubias in shaded areas or lower parts of the tank. Java Fern can handle mid to low light. What's your fertilizer routine? They're slow growers but need nutrients.

[fabletta]

Thanks for the tips, y'all. Gonna try gluing 'em to some driftwood I've got. My light's on for 10 hours, maybe that's too much? I dose Seachem Flourish once a week.

[brookley]

10 hours is pushing it, especially with that light. Cut it back to 7 hours and see how they respond. Flourish is good, but consider adding root tabs if you've got other plants in the sand.

[reeIzer]

Also, make sure your betta isn't messing with the plants. Some like to rest on broad leaves, which can stress the plant. My betta used to dig up everything till I moved him to his own tank.

[police]

Also, make sure your betta isn't messing with the plants. Some like to rest on broad leaves, which can stress the plant. My betta used to dig up everything till I moved him to his own tank.

True. Bettas can be territorial. If the plants are secure, they'll adapt. Monitor for any nibbling or digging behavior.

[brookley]

One more thing, fabletta: check your water flow. Anubias and Java Fern prefer low to moderate flow. High flow can damage their leaves over time. What filter are you running?

[fabletta]

It's a HOB filter, but I've got the flow turned down low. Gonna adjust the light and glue the plants today. Appreciate all the help!