Why Are My Plants Dropping Leaves?

[rivulet4]

My Anubias and Java Fern have been dropping leaves like crazy the past week. Tank is a 20 gallon, parameters are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate, pH 7.2. Lighting is on for 8 hours a day, no CO2. Anyone know what's up?

[Dkade]

That's rough, sorry to hear it. How often are you doing water changes? Sometimes a buildup of organics can mess with plants even if the main params look good.

[leafy9]

I've had similar issues before. Check your lighting intensity. Too much light without CO2 can cause melt, especially with Anubias. What's your substrate like?

[vyno9]

I've had similar issues before. Check your lighting intensity. Too much light without CO2 can cause melt, especially with Anubias. What's your substrate like?

Agreed. Also, how old are the plants? New plants often melt a bit before adjusting.

[earthling]

Could be a nutrient thing. Are you dosing any ferts? Anubias and Java Fern are low-tech but they still need some macros and micros to thrive.

[sandcat]

Yo, same thing happened to my tank. Turns out my filter was too strong and the flow was stressing the plants out. Maybe check that?

[arcite]

I'd second the nutrient angle. Even if your water params are solid, plants can still starve. Try a balanced liquid fert if you aren't already.

[medicora]

What's your water temp? Some plants get fussy if it's too high or too low. Also, any recent changes to the tank?

[waveborn]

Have you checked for pests? Snails or algae can sometimes cause issues. Also, how's the root health on the Anubias?

[fleet]

If the roots are buried too deep, Anubias will rot. Make sure the rhizome isn't covered. Same goes for Java Fern.