Plants turning to membrane/mesh

[jordzcov]

Plants turning to membrane/mesh, but sprouting new leaves.


Hi, some of my plants are thriving, while some seem to be turning to membrane/mesh. They are still alive and growing as they will establish new leaves, but as soon as these get to a reasonable size, they seem to die off.

2 plants seem to be doing this, while others in the tank are growing well with no issues.

I add tabs once a month to the tank, and also add JBL daily plant food once a day/every other day.



What may be causing this?

[Martinspuddle]

First thought is a shortage of nutrients in the water column, on the other hand, have you got an Ancistrus in there?

[jordzcov]

Hi,
Nope, only 6 tetra and 5 Rasbora.
In terms of nutrients, my most recent readings were:
Nh3 -0
NO2 - 0
NO3- 0/5 id say some where in between based on test kit colour)
PH -8
KH-8

[fr499y]

Cut the leaves off when they start going funny, it looks like a lack of nutrients.

[Martinspuddle]

Nope, only 6 tetra and 5 Rasbora.

NO3- 0/5 id say some where in between based on test kit colour)

In that case, looks to me you need to increase your daily fertilizer dosing.

[VikingMummy2015]

I had this with my Amazon sword…definitely not enough nutrients for them. Root tabs should help

[jordzcov]

i do add root tabs about once a month to the tank

[Martinspuddle]

i do add root tabs about once a month to the tank

One question, are you using carbon in your filter?

In terms of nutrients, my most recent readings were:
Nh3 -0
NO2 - 0
NO3- 0/5 id say some where in between based on test kit colour)
PH -8
KH-8

Echinodorus schlueteri, like all Echinodorus Sp. require plenty of light and nutrients to thrive. Echinodorus is obviously not getting enough nutrients by the dying leaves, low Nitrates and other plants like your Limnophila sessiliflora show signs of nutrient deficiency as well.

6 tetra and 5 Rasbora.

Just noticed, are you planning on a bigger tank, only Scissortail rasbora (Rasbora trilineata) which to 6" (15cm) need at least a 50 Gallon (250 litre) aquarium.

[jordzcov]

Hi, i do a weekly water change of around 20%, im guessing i may be keeping the tank to cleana nd thats causing the low nitraates/nutrition for theplants? sadly, im not looking to expand the tank. When i purchased them, the store didnt mention anything about the size of the tank needed for them, and have had them maybe a year or so now.

[Martinspuddle]

Hi, i do a weekly water change of around 20%, im guessing i may be keeping the tank to cleana nd thats causing the low nitraates/nutrition for theplants?

No, the reason is because your fish stock is low but that's not thing and weekly water changes are always good idea. Your tap water supply should have a reasonable level of nitrates, thus help feeding the plants. My NO3 level from my tap water is an average of 25ppm, unfortunately sometimes a lot less.

Have you tested your tap water supply?

sadly, im not looking to expand the tank. When i purchased them, the store didnt mention anything about the size of the tank needed for them, and have had them maybe a year or so now.

This is big problem with some pet shop and aquatics, poor advice or little or no information given, especially to beginners. Experienced fishkeepers here will always tell you, never buy on impulse and always research a species before purchasing.

You could either return the Scissortails for a smaller Rasbora species or if you've got loads of money you could sue the store!