Who Gives A Fish Forums

I've got a 20 gallon planted tank with Cryptocoryne wendtii and a bunch of Cherry Shrimp. The crypts keep melting, but the shrimp seem fine. Water params are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate, pH 7.2. Anyone know why the crypts are struggling?

Crypts are kinda finicky, dude. Mine melted too when I first got 'em. Took like a month to bounce back. You running CO2? That might mess with 'em if it's too high.

Cryptocoryne species often melt when introduced to new water conditions. Your parameters seem stable, but have you checked the KH and GH? Shrimp prefer harder water, while crypts can adapt but might struggle initially.

Yeah, crypts are drama queens. Mine melted like crazy when I moved 'em to a new tank. Just give it time, they'll come back. Shrimp don't care as long as the water's clean.

Cryptocoryne wendtii is known for melting during acclimation. Ensure your lighting isn't too intense, as crypts prefer low to moderate light. Shrimp will thrive regardless if water quality is maintained.

zena4x wrote: ↑Wed Aug 06, 2025 7:45 pm Crypts are kinda finicky, dude. Mine melted too when I first got 'em. Took like a month to bounce back. You running CO2? That might mess with 'em if it's too high.

No CO2, just low tech. Maybe it's the light? I've got a Nicrew LED on for 8 hours a day.

8 hours might be too much for crypts, bro. Try cutting it back to 6 and see if they chill out. Shrimp won't mind either way.

Reducing light duration could help. Cryptocoryne species often recover better under lower light conditions. Also, ensure your substrate has enough nutrients. Are you using root tabs?

Root tabs saved my crypts, no joke. I use the Seachem ones every 3 months. Shrimp don't care, but the plants love it.

Cryptocoryne wendtii benefits from a nutrient-rich substrate. If you're not using root tabs, consider adding them. Shrimp activity can also disturb the substrate, so ensure the tabs are placed deep enough.