I'm having some trouble with my aquarium plants. I've got a 200litre tank with a Jewel bioflow and an Eheim 250 external filter, and I've planted some Anubis in there - I think that's what they are, anyway. I've tried binding them to some bog wood with cotton thread, but after three weeks they still don't seem to be taking hold. One of them is actually losing leaves every day, which is a bit worrying.
I've also got some plants planted straight into the substrate, and they've got this dark green or black stringy algae growing off them. My substrate is a pellet-like stuff that looks like mud in clumps, with a layer of gravel on top. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can get the Anubis to bind to the bog wood, and how I can get the other plants looking healthier?
Help with plant care and advice
Re: Help with plant care and advice
I think I know what you're dealing with, the dark green/black stringy algae stuff. It's actually quite common and can be a real pain. I've had it before too, and it's usually a sign that your plants are struggling to absorb nutrients from the substrate.
Firstly, I'd recommend checking the nutrient levels in your tank, especially for iron and nitrogen. The pellet-like substrate you're using might be causing some issues, as it can be quite dense and prevent proper nutrient uptake. You might want to consider adding some fertilizers specifically designed for aquatic plants.
As for the Anubis plants, I've found that they can be a bit tricky to bind to bog wood. Instead of using cotton thread, try using a fishing line or a thin wire to tie them down. This should give them a bit more stability and help them bind faster. Also, make sure the bog wood is clean and free of any debris that might be preventing the plants from attaching.
Lastly, I'd suggest increasing the water circulation in your tank, especially around the plants. This should help prevent the algae from growing and give your plants a bit more oxygen.
Firstly, I'd recommend checking the nutrient levels in your tank, especially for iron and nitrogen. The pellet-like substrate you're using might be causing some issues, as it can be quite dense and prevent proper nutrient uptake. You might want to consider adding some fertilizers specifically designed for aquatic plants.
As for the Anubis plants, I've found that they can be a bit tricky to bind to bog wood. Instead of using cotton thread, try using a fishing line or a thin wire to tie them down. This should give them a bit more stability and help them bind faster. Also, make sure the bog wood is clean and free of any debris that might be preventing the plants from attaching.
Lastly, I'd suggest increasing the water circulation in your tank, especially around the plants. This should help prevent the algae from growing and give your plants a bit more oxygen.
Re: Help with plant care and advice
I've had my fair share of experience with Anubias, and I gotta say, they're extremely slow growers. They take their sweet time to attach themselves to a new piece of wood, especially if they've been in a pot with a significant root system.
I think the only part of the roots that'll actually attach is the new growth - you know, the bits on the ends. When I transplant Anubias or Java Fern, I trim the roots back almost to the rhizome, then tie it on. That way, it attaches within a month or two.
That other plant, though... I'm pretty sure it's Mondo Grass. I've seen it before, and it's not meant to be underwater for too long. It's not even a true aquatic plant, despite what the chain stores might tell you. If that's the only plant with the algae issue, I'd get it out ASAP before it spreads. You could always plant it in a pot next to your tank, that way you can still enjoy it without risking your aquarium's health.
I think the only part of the roots that'll actually attach is the new growth - you know, the bits on the ends. When I transplant Anubias or Java Fern, I trim the roots back almost to the rhizome, then tie it on. That way, it attaches within a month or two.
That other plant, though... I'm pretty sure it's Mondo Grass. I've seen it before, and it's not meant to be underwater for too long. It's not even a true aquatic plant, despite what the chain stores might tell you. If that's the only plant with the algae issue, I'd get it out ASAP before it spreads. You could always plant it in a pot next to your tank, that way you can still enjoy it without risking your aquarium's health.
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challenger - Posts: 16
- Joined: Fri Apr 19, 2024 3:39 pm
Re: Help with plant care and advice
I think Weiro nailed it. So many factors come into play when it comes to plants attaching, you know.
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shakinStevens - Posts: 75
- Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2022 4:15 pm
Re: Help with plant care and advice
I've also got a couple of other issues going on - one of the Anubis plants is dropping leaves daily, and some of my other plants have this dark green/black stringy algae growing off them.
It seems like you're dealing with algae, which can thrive even in low-nutrient water. Plants, on the other hand, require higher nutrient levels. How often are you doing water changes, and what percentage of water are you replacing? I've found that most people do a 30-50% water change weekly. If you're doing less than that, it might not be enough. Regular water changes can help keep trace nutrient levels stable. You might also want to try a comprehensive fertilizer like Seachem Flourish - it's got all the nutrients plants need. This could help address any nutrient deficiencies and promote plant growth. Hopefully, once your plants start growing, they'll outcompete the algae for nutrients and die back, which should also stop the leaf loss and help the plants attach over time with new root growth.
It seems like you're dealing with algae, which can thrive even in low-nutrient water. Plants, on the other hand, require higher nutrient levels. How often are you doing water changes, and what percentage of water are you replacing? I've found that most people do a 30-50% water change weekly. If you're doing less than that, it might not be enough. Regular water changes can help keep trace nutrient levels stable. You might also want to try a comprehensive fertilizer like Seachem Flourish - it's got all the nutrients plants need. This could help address any nutrient deficiencies and promote plant growth. Hopefully, once your plants start growing, they'll outcompete the algae for nutrients and die back, which should also stop the leaf loss and help the plants attach over time with new root growth.
Re: Help with plant care and advice
Thanks everyone, really appreciate the advice and help.
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littleking - Posts: 42
- Joined: Wed May 18, 2022 11:00 pm
Re: Help with plant care and advice
Another thing to consider with anubias is they tend to thrive in shaded areas, rather than being exposed to direct light near the water surface. If your lights are low-tech, this might not be a major issue, but with stronger lights, you might encounter algae problems like BBA or hair algae, especially on plants that aren't true aquatics, like that mondo plant mentioned earlier.
Nutrients, water temperature, and flow also play a role in plant health, though the impact of flow is debatable. When it comes to attaching anubias, I've found that using plastic cable ties to secure the root system to the wood works well. I tie the strongest part of the roots to the wood and then snip off the tie after a month or two, once the roots have anchored. I've also had success with Cyanoacrylate superglue and fishing line, but these methods can be messy and require some practice.
Nutrients, water temperature, and flow also play a role in plant health, though the impact of flow is debatable. When it comes to attaching anubias, I've found that using plastic cable ties to secure the root system to the wood works well. I tie the strongest part of the roots to the wood and then snip off the tie after a month or two, once the roots have anchored. I've also had success with Cyanoacrylate superglue and fishing line, but these methods can be messy and require some practice.