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why are my plants growing weird?
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2025 9:39 am
by bould
My anubias aren't growing right, leaves are small and kinda yellow. Tank's a 20 gallon, got a sponge filter, and I do water changes every week. Lights are on for 8 hours, no CO2. What's the deal?
Re: why are my plants growing weird?
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2025 10:02 am
by deylan
Sounds like a light or nutrient issue. Anubias are low-light plants, but they still need some nutrients. What's your substrate like? And are you dosing any fertilizers? Also, check if the rhizome's buried, that'll mess with growth.
Re: why are my plants growing weird?
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2025 10:29 am
by averager
I've got the same problem with my java fern. Leaves are turning brown at the edges. Maybe it's the water hardness? I don't test mine often.
Re: why are my plants growing weird?
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2025 11:06 am
by Riviera
deylan wrote: ↑Wed Aug 20, 2025 10:02 am
Sounds like a light or nutrient issue. Anubias are low-light plants, but they still need some nutrients. What's your substrate like? And are you dosing any fertilizers? Also, check if the rhizome's buried, that'll mess with growth.
Yep, rhizome burial's a common mistake. If it's buried, unbury it and attach it to driftwood or a rock. Also, try a liquid fertilizer if you're not using one.
Re: why are my plants growing weird?
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2025 12:53 pm
by darnasuspect
My plants were acting sketchy too until I switched to root tabs. Maybe your substrate's tapped out. How long's it been since you set up the tank?
Re: why are my plants growing weird?
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2025 2:13 pm
by bould
Tank's been running for about 4 months. Substrate is just gravel, no dirt underneath. I'll try unburying the rhizome and grab some liquid ferts. Thanks, y'all.
Re: why are my plants growing weird?
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2025 4:07 pm
by harvestor
I had yellow leaves on my anubias when I first started. Turned out my light was too strong. Maybe dial it back to 6 hours?
Re: why are my plants growing weird?
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2025 5:48 pm
by deylan
harvestor wrote: ↑Wed Aug 20, 2025 4:07 pm
I had yellow leaves on my anubias when I first started. Turned out my light was too strong. Maybe dial it back to 6 hours?
Could be. Anubias don't need much light. If you've got high light without CO2, you're gonna get algae too. Balance is key.
Re: why are my plants growing weird?
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2025 7:43 pm
by Riviera
Also, check your water params. Anubias can be picky about pH and hardness. Mine do best around 6.5–7.0 pH and moderate hardness.
Re: why are my plants growing weird?
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2025 8:34 pm
by darnasuspect
Yeah, and if you're using tap water, let it sit for a day before adding it to the tank. Chlorine's a killer.