Who Gives A Fish Forums

My plants aren't pearling at all, even though I've got good lighting and CO2. What's the deal? Tank's a 20 gallon with Fluval stratum, running a Nicrew light for 8 hours a day. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Fish are chill, just a betta and some neon tetras.

Pearling depends on a few things. First, check your CO2 levels. If they're too low, plants won't produce enough oxygen to pearl. Also, make sure your light intensity matches the plants' needs. Some species pearl more easily than others. What plants are you growing?

I've got the same issue sometimes. My Anubias rarely pearl, but the Hornwort goes crazy. Maybe it's the plant type? Also, how old is your setup? Newer tanks take time to balance.

bounty wrote: ↑Sat Jul 19, 2025 7:27 am Pearling depends on a few things. First, check your CO2 levels. If they're too low, plants won't produce enough oxygen to pearl. Also, make sure your light intensity matches the plants' needs. Some species pearl more easily than others. What plants are you growing?

Yep, CO2 is key. I'd double-check your drop checker. If it's not lime green, you might need to bump it up. Also, what's your pH? That can affect CO2 availability.

My tank's been running for months, and I only see pearling after water changes. Maybe it's the fresh water stirring things up? Could be worth a try.

I've noticed pearling happens more when the plants are healthy and growing fast. Are you dosing fertilizers? If not, they might be missing something.

loomy wrote: ↑Sat Jul 19, 2025 10:03 am My tank's been running for months, and I only see pearling after water changes. Maybe it's the fresh water stirring things up? Could be worth a try.

That's a good point. Fresh water can boost oxygen levels temporarily. But if it's only happening then, your plants might not be getting enough nutrients consistently. Try a balanced fertilizer like Thrive.

Maybe your fish are hogging all the oxygen? Just kidding. But seriously, could be worth checking surface agitation. Too much can gas off CO2.

I've had tanks where pearling was rare, and others where it was constant. It's weird how finicky it can be. Maybe just give it time?

Emeraldsea wrote: ↑Sat Jul 19, 2025 9:11 am

bounty wrote: ↑Sat Jul 19, 2025 7:27 am Pearling depends on a few things. First, check your CO2 levels. If they're too low, plants won't produce enough oxygen to pearl. Also, make sure your light intensity matches the plants' needs. Some species pearl more easily than others. What plants are you growing?

Yep, CO2 is key. I'd double-check your drop checker. If it's not lime green, you might need to bump it up. Also, what's your pH? That can affect CO2 availability.

Agreed. And don't forget about temperature. Warmer water holds less oxygen, so if your tank's too warm, pearling might be less visible.