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best plant Maintenance hacks

Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 5:16 pm
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.

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:48 pm
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.

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 8:43 pm
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.

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 10:07 pm
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.

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 11:57 pm
by noviceguy
I'm new to this. How often should I wipe the leaves? I don't want to damage them.

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 1:13 am
by condoKeeper
Once a week during water changes is plenty. Just be gentle, and you won't hurt the plant.

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 2:43 am
by bradyk
I've found that floating plants like Frogbit can help by shading the Anubias a bit. Less light means less algae.

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 3:50 am
by starwave
Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll try reducing the light and adding some nerites.

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 5:15 am
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.

Re: best plant Maintenance hacks

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 5:24 am
by duskflora
I've heard that adding a small powerhead can help by increasing flow around the plants. Has anyone tried that?