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why is my ludwigia not red?
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 10:00 pm
by ladydawn
My Ludwigia repens has been green for weeks, even though it's supposed to be red. I've got it in a 20 gallon tank with a Nicrew light, running 8 hours a day. Substrate is Fluval Stratum, and I dose Thrive twice a week. What's the deal?
Re: why is my ludwigia not red?
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 11:17 pm
by daxelion
Lighting is usually the main culprit for Ludwigia not turning red. Nicrew lights are decent, but they might not have enough intensity or the right spectrum. Try bumping up the photoperiod to 10 hours or adding a stronger light. Also, check your nitrates, they should be low for better reds.
Re: why is my ludwigia not red?
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 11:41 pm
by wolfsong
daxelion wrote: ↑Sat Jun 21, 2025 11:17 pm
Lighting is usually the main culprit for Ludwigia not turning red. Nicrew lights are decent, but they might not have enough intensity or the right spectrum. Try bumping up the photoperiod to 10 hours or adding a stronger light. Also, check your nitrates, they should be low for better reds.
Yep, daxelion's spot on. Ludwigia needs high light and low nitrates to show red. If your nitrates are above 10 ppm, it's gonna stay green. What's your nitrate level?
Re: why is my ludwigia not red?
Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 1:25 am
by tamer
Mine turned red when I switched to CO2. Maybe your tank needs more carbon? Also, how old is your light? LEDs lose intensity over time.
Re: why is my ludwigia not red?
Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 2:24 am
by oceanix7
Don't stress too much, ladydawn! Plants can take time to adjust. Have you tried iron supplements? They can help bring out the reds. Just don't overdo it, or you'll get algae.
Re: why is my ludwigia not red?
Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 3:52 am
by lummox
oceanix7 wrote: ↑Sun Jun 22, 2025 2:24 am
Don't stress too much, ladydawn! Plants can take time to adjust. Have you tried iron supplements? They can help bring out the reds. Just don't overdo it, or you'll get algae.
Iron's a good call, but I'd also check your phosphate levels. Too much phosphate can block iron uptake. What's your dosing routine like?
Re: why is my ludwigia not red?
Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 3:58 am
by rivelo
My Ludwigia only turned red when I moved it closer to the light. Maybe try repositioning it? Also, how's your water flow? Good circulation helps nutrients reach the plant.
Re: why is my ludwigia not red?
Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 5:53 am
by keel
I had the same issue until I cut back on feeding. Less food means less nitrate, and bam, red plants. How often do you feed your fish?
Re: why is my ludwigia not red?
Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 6:14 am
by ladydawn
Thanks for the tips, everyone! I'll test my nitrates and try adjusting the light. Appreciate the help.
Re: why is my ludwigia not red?
Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 8:12 am
by daxelion
Keep us posted, ladydawn! If nitrates are high, more water changes might help. Also, consider a dedicated red plant fertilizer if you're serious about the color.