Monte Carlo pearling post-water change

[rixon]

Just did a 50% water change on my 20 gallon planted tank and noticed my Monte Carlo is pearling like crazy. Never seen it this intense before. Anyone else experience this? Running a Finnex 24/7 light, CO2 at 30 ppm, and dosing Thrive twice a week.

[coraldeep]

Pearling after a water change is usually a sign of good oxygenation and CO2 levels. Your Monte Carlo is likely photosynthesizing efficiently. What's your substrate? I've seen this more often with nutrient-rich substrates like ADA Amazonia.

[horsesoul]

Yep, same thing happens in my tank. It's like the plants are throwing a party after fresh water. I use Fluval Stratum and dose Easy Green. Gonna crank up the CO2 a bit next time to see if it gets even crazier.

[Lynx]

Yep, same thing happens in my tank. It's like the plants are throwing a party after fresh water. I use Fluval Stratum and dose Easy Green. Gonna crank up the CO2 a bit next time to see if it gets even crazier.

Be careful with cranking CO2 too high. I lost a few shrimp that way. Maybe test your drop checker first.

[barkwood]

My Monte Carlo does this too, but only if I do a big water change. I've got it in a 10 gallon with inert sand and root tabs. Pearling usually lasts about 2 hours, then settles down. How long does yours keep it up?

[rixon]

Thanks for the input, everyone. Substrate is CaribSea Eco-Complete. The pearling lasted about 3 hours this time. Gonna keep an eye on it next water change.

[petal9]

Never seen my Monte Carlo pearl like that. Maybe I'm not changing enough water. I usually do 25% weekly. What's your water change schedule?

[mr_crist]

I've heard pearling can also mean the water is super saturated with oxygen. Maybe your filter is churning more after the change. What kind of filter are you running?

[flinty]

My tank's too new for pearling, but I'm hoping to see it soon. Just set up a 15 gallon with Monte Carlo and CO2. How old is your setup?

[coraldeep]

My tank's too new for pearling, but I'm hoping to see it soon. Just set up a 15 gallon with Monte Carlo and CO2. How old is your setup?

Give it a few months. Pearling usually starts once the plants are fully established and the tank is balanced. Took mine about 3 months to see consistent pearling.