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sharing my plant tank lessons

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 3:24 am
by broadly
My Anubias aren't growing as fast as I expected, even with CO2 and decent lighting. Tank's a 20 gallon, stocked with a few tetras and a bristlenose. Substrate is Flourite, and I dose Excel twice a week. Anyone got tips?

Re: sharing my plant tank lessons

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 4:12 am
by bronco5
Yo, Anubias are slow growers no matter what. You might be overdoing it with the Excel. Try cutting back to once a week and see if they perk up. Also, what's your light schedule? Too much can mess with 'em.

Re: sharing my plant tank lessons

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 5:08 am
by duskylet
Anubias prefer lower light and attach to rocks or driftwood rather than being planted in substrate. If they're buried, they might be struggling. Check for rhizome rot, and consider moving them to a higher flow area if your filter's output is weak.

Re: sharing my plant tank lessons

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 8:16 am
by stargazer
I've had luck with Anubias in low-tech setups. They're chill plants, don't need much. Maybe your tetras are nibbling on them? Also, what's your water temp? They like it warm but not too hot.

Re: sharing my plant tank lessons

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 8:31 am
by lad
My Anubias took forever to grow too. I just left them alone, and they finally started spreading. Patience is key, I guess.

Re: sharing my plant tank lessons

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 8:58 am
by broadly
bronco5 wrote: Thu Aug 28, 2025 4:12 am Yo, Anubias are slow growers no matter what. You might be overdoing it with the Excel. Try cutting back to once a week and see if they perk up. Also, what's your light schedule? Too much can mess with 'em.
Thanks, I'll try reducing the Excel. Lights are on for 8 hours, but I'll dial it back to 6.

Re: sharing my plant tank lessons

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 10:49 am
by jayden
Anubias are tough, but they hate change. If you've been messing with the tank a lot, they might just be stressed. Give 'em time to adjust, and they'll bounce back.

Re: sharing my plant tank lessons

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 12:46 pm
by seahawk
Dude, Anubias are like the old men of the plant world. They do things on their own time. My advice? Stop worrying and let nature do its thing. They'll grow when they're ready.

Re: sharing my plant tank lessons

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 2:16 pm
by duskbloom
I've found Anubias grow better when tied to something rough, like lava rock. The roots grip better, and they seem happier. Maybe try that if yours are just sitting in the substrate.

Re: sharing my plant tank lessons

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 4:03 pm
by Kalixa9
My Anubias didn't do much for months, then suddenly took off. No idea why, but I wasn't complaining. Sometimes plants just gotta do their own thing.