why are my plants not spreading?

[creekie]

I've had my Java Fern and Anubias in a 20 gallon for about 3 months now, but they're not spreading at all. The tank has a Fluval Aquasky light, set for 8 hours a day, and I use Seachem Flourish once a week. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. What's the deal?

[Feline]

Java Fern and Anubias are slow growers, especially if they're not getting enough nutrients. Flourish is a micronutrient supplement, but they might need more macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Have you checked your phosphate levels? Also, how's your flow? These plants prefer a bit of water movement.

[fin_troller]

Yo, creekie, maybe your light's too weak. That Aquasky ain't exactly a powerhouse. I had the same issue till I upgraded to a Nicrew. Also, you gonna need more than just Flourish, try some root tabs if you got any substrate.

[daxilix]

Nah, root tabs won't do squat for Java Fern and Anubias, they're epiphytes, dude. They don't even need substrate. Creekie, you gotta dose more, maybe try Flourish Excel for some extra carbon.

[creekie]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll try upping the Flourish and maybe add some Excel. The flow is decent, I've got a HOB filter creating some movement. Should I adjust the light duration too?

[Feline]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll try upping the Flourish and maybe add some Excel. The flow is decent, I've got a HOB filter creating some movement. Should I adjust the light duration too?

Light duration is fine at 8 hours, but if you're adding Excel, start with half the recommended dose to avoid shocking the plants. Also, make sure your Anubias rhizomes aren't buried, that'll stunt their growth.

[fin_troller]

Yeah, and don't freak out if they take forever. My Java Fern took like 6 months to finally start spreading. These plants got their own weird vibe, man.

[daxilix]

For real, patience is key. But if you're impatient like me, chuck in some floating plants to fill the space while you wait. Frogbit or Salvinia work great.

[Feline]

For real, patience is key. But if you're impatient like me, chuck in some floating plants to fill the space while you wait. Frogbit or Salvinia work great.

Floating plants are a good idea, but they'll compete for light and nutrients. Just keep that in mind if you go that route.

[fin_troller]

True, but hey, competition ain't always bad. Makes the tough plants tougher. Just sayin'.