Vallisneria care for beginners

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axiomist
Posts: 8
Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2022 4:02 pm

Vallisneria care for beginners

Post by axiomist »

Just got some Vallisneria for my 20 gallon tank, but the leaves are turning brown at the tips. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Using a basic LED light, 8 hours a day. What am I missing?
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tidal
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Apr 04, 2024 2:07 am

Re: Vallisneria care for beginners

Post by tidal »

Vallisneria can be picky about lighting and nutrients. You might need to bump up the light intensity or duration. Also, check your KH and GH, they prefer harder water. What substrate are you using?
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sandfly
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Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2024 10:27 pm

Re: Vallisneria care for beginners

Post by sandfly »

Mine did the same thing when I first got em. Turns out they just needed time to adjust. Give it a couple weeks, maybe trim the brown bits. They'll bounce back.
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eco_mama
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:47 am

Re: Vallisneria care for beginners

Post by eco_mama »

sandfly wrote: Mon Aug 11, 2025 11:45 pm Mine did the same thing when I first got em. Turns out they just needed time to adjust. Give it a couple weeks, maybe trim the brown bits. They'll bounce back.
I agree, patience is key. Also, make sure you're not overdoing the water changes. Vallisneria likes stability.
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olivet
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Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 7:54 pm

Re: Vallisneria care for beginners

Post by olivet »

If you're using root tabs or liquid ferts, Vallisneria will thank you. They're heavy root feeders. I use Seachem Flourish and mine went from sad to thriving in a month.
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drumkin
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Joined: Tue Apr 11, 2023 8:01 am

Re: Vallisneria care for beginners

Post by drumkin »

Lighting is crucial. Basic LEDs might not cut it. Look into full spectrum plant lights. Also, ensure your photoperiod isn't too long, algae can outcompete Vallisneria.
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havenmix
Posts: 49
Joined: Sat Feb 26, 2022 10:28 pm

Re: Vallisneria care for beginners

Post by havenmix »

I've had success with Vallisneria in low tech setups. Just make sure your water isn't too soft. If you're using RO, add some remineralizer. They're pretty chill once settled.
rapiduxe
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Joined: Mon Apr 03, 2023 9:28 am

Re: Vallisneria care for beginners

Post by rapiduxe »

drumkin wrote: Tue Aug 12, 2025 1:55 am Lighting is crucial. Basic LEDs might not cut it. Look into full spectrum plant lights. Also, ensure your photoperiod isn't too long, algae can outcompete Vallisneria.
Second this. I switched to a Nicrew planted light and saw immediate improvement. Also, check for snails, they can munch on weak leaves.
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florat
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Joined: Wed Nov 22, 2023 5:23 pm

Re: Vallisneria care for beginners

Post by florat »

My Vallisneria melted at first but grew back stronger. Maybe it's just the transition. Keep an eye on it.
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quillmaster
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Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2024 2:33 am

Re: Vallisneria care for beginners

Post by quillmaster »

Vallisneria is hardy but sensitive to changes. If you recently added it, give it time. Ensure your filter flow isn't too strong, they prefer calm water.
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