Old Growth Dying, New Growth Thriving

[Redhead7134]

Hello, I'm having an issue with the plants in my tank. I have both anachris and a temple plant in my tank and they both seem to be having the same issue. They are growing well and fast, but everything besides the new growth seems to be dying. I have the Current USA LED Plus lighting my tank. I also have just standard gravel substrate. It is an established 55 gallon tank. I will be posting pictures shortly.

[Redhead7134]

[sfavor]

I've noticed that as well. Commenting so I can follow responses.

[fishenthusiast]

What fertilizers are you using? Are you adding any carbon additives or injecting CO2?


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[Redhead7134]

Its a low tech setup. The only thing I'm using right now is aquion plant food. I've ordered some flourish excel.

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[Fresh2o]

If these plants are new (few weeks or so), it could be the case where the new growth has adjusted to the tank and is doing well. And the older growth is decaying because, in some instances, the plant's resources are directed to the new growth.
The Anacharis may melt with the addition of Excel.


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[Thrills22]

Originally Posted by Fresh2o

If these plants are new (few weeks or so), it could be the case where the new growth has adjusted to the tank and is doing well. And the older growth is decaying because, in some instances, the plant's resources are directed to the new growth.
The Anacharis may melt with the addition of Excel.

To add to this, some aquatic plants, despite being aquatic, are actually grown emersed and when placed in an aquarium it triggers the transformation fresh mentions above.

[aqua_chem]

Emersed to submerged growth is definitely a good thought.

I would also heavy consider a nutrient issue. Plants have the ability to cannibalize old nutrients to make new growth, but only some nutrients, namely all your macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) plus some micronutrients. This process can be very destructive to older growth, causing a variety off holes and/or discolorations in old leaves but leaving newer growth looking 'ok'.

Are you dosing any fertilizers with macronutrients (NPK)? You look like you have a fairly substantial stock, so this may or may not be the cause, but you almost certainly need some form of additional fertilization given those plants and that amount of lighting.