best plant Maintenance hacks

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starwave
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Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2023 2:47 pm

best plant Maintenance hacks

Post by starwave »

What's the best way to keep algae off my Anubias without harming the plant? I've got a 20-gallon tank with moderate lighting and CO2 injection, but the leaves keep getting covered.
seabird
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Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2022 11:24 pm

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Post by seabird »

I've had good luck with nerite snails. They're chill and won't mess with the plants. Also, try reducing your light period by an hour or two. Algae thrives when the lights are on too long.
duskflora
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:00 pm

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Post by duskflora »

My Anubias always gets algae too. I just wipe the leaves gently with a soft cloth during water changes. It's not perfect, but it helps.
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CaceyT
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Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 7:16 pm

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Post by CaceyT »

Yep, nerites are the way to go. They're like little cleanup crews. Also, if you're dosing ferts, cut back a bit. Too much can feed the algae.
noviceguy
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Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2024 4:50 am

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Post by noviceguy »

I'm new to this. How often should I wipe the leaves? I don't want to damage them.
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condoKeeper
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Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2023 7:59 pm

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Post by condoKeeper »

Once a week during water changes is plenty. Just be gentle, and you won't hurt the plant.
bradyk
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Joined: Sat Apr 01, 2023 6:23 pm

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Post by bradyk »

I've found that floating plants like Frogbit can help by shading the Anubias a bit. Less light means less algae.
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starwave
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Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2023 2:47 pm

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Post by starwave »

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll try reducing the light and adding some nerites.
seabird
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2022 11:24 pm

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Post by seabird »

starwave wrote: Sun Jul 20, 2025 3:50 am Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll try reducing the light and adding some nerites.
No problem! Let us know how it goes. Also, keep an eye on your CO2 levels. Too much can sometimes cause algae blooms.
duskflora
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:00 pm

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Post by duskflora »

I've heard that adding a small powerhead can help by increasing flow around the plants. Has anyone tried that?
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