Cryptocoryne care tips

[sundog9]

My Cryptocoryne wendtii keeps melting, even though my tank params seem fine. 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate, pH 7.2. It's in a 20 gallon with sand substrate and moderate lighting. Anyone got tips to stop the melt?

[Lioness]

Crypt melt is super common when they're adjusting. How long have they been in the tank? If it's less than a month, they might just be settling in. Keep the water stable and avoid moving them around.

[north_rose]

Yep, Crypts hate being moved. Once they're in, let 'em chill. Also, what's your lighting schedule? Too much can stress 'em out. I run mine 6 hours a day with a siesta break.

[mikej]

Mine did the same thing. I added root tabs and they bounced back after a few weeks. Maybe try that if your substrate isn't nutrient-rich?

[Aurixor]

Yep, Crypts hate being moved. Once they're in, let 'em chill. Also, what's your lighting schedule? Too much can stress 'em out. I run mine 6 hours a day with a siesta break.

Agreed on the lighting. I've found Crypts do better in lower light. Maybe dial it back and see if that helps.

[hanksid]

Crypts are drama queens, man. Mine melted to nothing, then came back like nothing happened. Just don't panic and keep the water clean. They'll sort themselves out.

[pauline]

Are you using any fertilizers? I dose a bit of potassium and iron, and my Cryptocoryne has never melted. Could be worth a shot.

[sundog9]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try reducing the light and adding root tabs. Fingers crossed!

[Lioness]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try reducing the light and adding root tabs. Fingers crossed!

Keep us posted! Crypts can be stubborn, but they're worth the wait.

[north_rose]

Oh, and if you're using CO2, make sure it's consistent. Fluctuations can mess with Crypts too. Just another thing to check.