why are my plants turning brown?

[firerock]

My Anubias and Java Fern are turning brown at the edges. Tank's been running for 6 months, 20 gallons, with a Fluval 207 filter. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Lighting is a Nicrew ClassicLED, 8 hours a day. Substrate is inert gravel. What's the deal?

[brookbend]

Brown edges on Anubias and Java Fern usually point to lighting or nutrient issues. Your Nitrate is low, which suggests a lack of macros. Try dosing a balanced fertilizer like Thrive. Also, check if your light is too intense, Anubias prefers low to medium light.

[frogpond]

Yep, sounds like a light thing to me too. My Anubias did the same when I cranked up the light. Maybe cut it back to 6 hours and see if they chill out. Also, gonna ask, you using any root tabs? Gravel ain't great for nutrients.

[flakon]

Yep, sounds like a light thing to me too. My Anubias did the same when I cranked up the light. Maybe cut it back to 6 hours and see if they chill out. Also, gonna ask, you using any root tabs? Gravel ain't great for nutrients.

Root tabs could help, but Anubias and Java Fern are water column feeders. Liquid ferts are the way to go. I'd start with a half dose of Easy Green and monitor.

[verdi]

My plants turned brown when I had low CO2. You running any CO2? If not, maybe try a liquid carbon like Excel. But go easy, too much can melt plants.

[soundwave]

Lighting duration and intensity are likely the culprits. Nicrew ClassicLED isn't super strong, but 8 hours might be too much for Anubias. Reduce to 6 hours and add a liquid fertilizer. Also, check for algae, as it can compete with plants for nutrients.

[Lynxfall]

Had the same issue with my tank. Turns out it was a combo of low nutrients and inconsistent water changes. Started dosing Thrive and doing weekly 20% changes, plants bounced back in a month.

[luminar8]

Had the same issue with my tank. Turns out it was a combo of low nutrients and inconsistent water changes. Started dosing Thrive and doing weekly 20% changes, plants bounced back in a month.

Consistency is key. I'd second the weekly water changes and add that you should test your tap water. Sometimes it's low in trace elements.

[firerock]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. Gonna cut the light to 6 hours and grab some Thrive. Appreciate the help!

[brookbend]

Let us know how it goes. If the browning persists, we can troubleshoot further. Could be worth checking your KH and GH too, as some plants are sensitive to hard water.