why are my plants growing weird?

[bould]

My anubias aren't growing right, leaves are small and kinda yellow. Tank's a 20 gallon, got a sponge filter, and I do water changes every week. Lights are on for 8 hours, no CO2. What's the deal?

[deylan]

Sounds like a light or nutrient issue. Anubias are low-light plants, but they still need some nutrients. What's your substrate like? And are you dosing any fertilizers? Also, check if the rhizome's buried, that'll mess with growth.

[averager]

I've got the same problem with my java fern. Leaves are turning brown at the edges. Maybe it's the water hardness? I don't test mine often.

[Riviera]

Sounds like a light or nutrient issue. Anubias are low-light plants, but they still need some nutrients. What's your substrate like? And are you dosing any fertilizers? Also, check if the rhizome's buried, that'll mess with growth.

Yep, rhizome burial's a common mistake. If it's buried, unbury it and attach it to driftwood or a rock. Also, try a liquid fertilizer if you're not using one.

[darnasuspect]

My plants were acting sketchy too until I switched to root tabs. Maybe your substrate's tapped out. How long's it been since you set up the tank?

[bould]

Tank's been running for about 4 months. Substrate is just gravel, no dirt underneath. I'll try unburying the rhizome and grab some liquid ferts. Thanks, y'all.

[harvestor]

I had yellow leaves on my anubias when I first started. Turned out my light was too strong. Maybe dial it back to 6 hours?

[deylan]

I had yellow leaves on my anubias when I first started. Turned out my light was too strong. Maybe dial it back to 6 hours?

Could be. Anubias don't need much light. If you've got high light without CO2, you're gonna get algae too. Balance is key.

[Riviera]

Also, check your water params. Anubias can be picky about pH and hardness. Mine do best around 6.5–7.0 pH and moderate hardness.

[darnasuspect]

Yeah, and if you're using tap water, let it sit for a day before adding it to the tank. Chlorine's a killer.