Why Do My Plants Look Stringy?

[fattiger]

My Anubias and Java Fern are looking super stringy lately. The leaves are thin and stretched out, not bushy like they used to be. Tank is a 20 gallon, with a Fluval Aquasky light running 8 hours a day. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Substrate is gravel with root tabs. What's the deal?

[Fuegoz]

Sounds like your plants are reaching for light. The Fluval Aquasky might not be strong enough for Anubias and Java Fern to stay compact. Try bumping the light intensity or duration, but watch for algae. Also, check if your root tabs are still active, they might need replacing.

[lento]

I had the same issue with my Java Fern. Moved it to a spot with more light and it got better. Maybe try that?

[Veltor]

Sounds like your plants are reaching for light. The Fluval Aquasky might not be strong enough for Anubias and Java Fern to stay compact. Try bumping the light intensity or duration, but watch for algae. Also, check if your root tabs are still active, they might need replacing.

I agree with Fuegoz. Light is likely the issue. Anubias and Java Fern can get leggy if the light isn't strong enough. You might wanna consider a stronger light or adjusting the height of your current one.

[fattiger]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try increasing the light duration first and see how it goes. Appreciate the help!

[Fablex8]

Another thing to consider is nutrient balance. If your plants are getting enough light but still look stringy, they might be lacking something. Have you tested your phosphate levels? Low phosphate can cause thin growth.

[Lacuna]

I've seen this happen when the tank is too clean. Plants need some nitrates to thrive. If your water changes are too frequent or too large, it might be stripping the nutrients they need.

[florium]

Stringy plants can also be a sign of low CO2. If you're not running CO2 injection, the plants might be struggling to get enough carbon. Try adding a liquid carbon supplement like Excel.

[Veltor]

Stringy plants can also be a sign of low CO2. If you're not running CO2 injection, the plants might be struggling to get enough carbon. Try adding a liquid carbon supplement like Excel.

That's a good point. Liquid carbon can help, but be careful with dosing. Too much can melt some plants, especially Valisneria.

[Fuegoz]

Also, make sure your plants aren't shaded by taller plants or decorations. Even if the light is strong enough, blocking it can cause the same issue.