Growing and caring for eleocharis acicularis

[Bobbycore]

Hi all,

I'm having some trouble with my "Eleocharis Acicularis" - the tips are browning (pic attached). Not sure if it's dying or if algae is taking over.

It's planted in sand with a root tab nearby.

Any advice would be great, thanks!

cheers

[bronze_shield]

I'm inclined to think it could be algae. My own Eleocharis Acicularis has maintained its vibrant green color, and I've also got it planted in sand, although I don't use a root tab. Interestingly, I've got kuhli loach digging tunnels right underneath it, but that doesn't seem to be affecting it. My water parameters are pretty stable, with a pH of 7.0 and hardness at GH60/KH40. I've got a decent bioload with plenty of fish and shrimp, but my water tests aren't showing any ammonia or nitrite, and nitrates are currently at zero.

[bronze_shield]

I'm inclined to think it could be algae. My own Eleocharis Acicularis has maintained its vibrant green color, and I've also got it planted in sand, although I don't use a root tab. Interestingly, I've got kuhli loach digging tunnels right underneath it, but that doesn't seem to be affecting it. My water parameters are pretty stable, with a pH of 7.0 and hardness at GH60/KH40. I've got a decent bioload with plenty of fish and shrimp, but my water tests aren't showing any ammonia or nitrite, and nitrates are currently at zero.

Also, nearly forgot the lighting – it's at the front, getting an hour of sunrise, then a full 12 hours of daylight, followed by an hour of sunset, an hour of 'night', and then nine hours of darkness.

[Bobbycore]

I'm inclined to think it could be algae. My own Eleocharis Acicularis has maintained its vibrant green color, and I've also got it planted in sand, although I don't use a root tab. Interestingly, I've got kuhli loach digging tunnels right underneath it, but that doesn't seem to be affecting it. My water parameters are pretty stable, with a pH of 7.0 and hardness at GH60/KH40. I've got a decent bioload with plenty of fish and shrimp, but my water tests aren't showing any ammonia or nitrite, and nitrates are currently at zero.

I've got 7 Zorchnos at the moment, and I'm open to adding more if it'll make a difference in keeping the algae under control.

You mentioned fasteadsly the tank - does that mean you didn't feed them for a day or so? I think I might be overfeeding, to be honest - I like to make sure all my fish and shrimp get enough to eat, but I suppose that could be contributing to the algae growth.

[bronze_shield]

Fasteadsly meant that I didn't feed the tank for a day. If you're feeding them regularly, I'd imagine they're not too bothered with the algae. They're always on the lookout for food, but if you haven't put any in the tank, they're more likely to snack on the algae instead.

[bronze_shield]

I'm inclined to think it could be algae. My own Eleocharis Acicularis has maintained its vibrant green color, and I've also got it planted in sand, although I don't use a root tab. Interestingly, I've got kuhli loach digging tunnels right underneath it, but that doesn't seem to be affecting it. My water parameters are pretty stable, with a pH of 7.0 and hardness at GH60/KH40. I've got a decent bioload with plenty of fish and shrimp, but my water tests aren't showing any ammonia or nitrite, and nitrates are currently at zero.

Not really, to be honest. If you're going away for a bit, don't worry about the fish, they can easily go a week without food.

And yeah, more plants should mean less algae, that's the idea. I've found it works pretty well in my tank, anyway.

[Bobbycore]

Just wanted to follow up - I tried not feeding this morning and it's amazing, even the neons and zebras are having a go at the algae now. Cheers for the tip @bronze_shield, it's been a real game-changer.

[bronze_shield]

I'm glad it worked out, cheers @bronze_shield. The tips on my Eleocharis Acicularis are still a bit brown but I'm hoping it's just a matter of time before they recover. I've been keeping an eye on it and I'm pretty sure it was algae, the neons and zebras have been picking at it all day. Not all of it's gone yet, but it's definitely looking better.