Helpful Hints?

[ydnim]

Hey guys!

I have two questions...

1. It looks like some of my Anubias plants aren't doing too well. There are three of them starting to brown and I was wondering if anyone had any helpful hints as to keep them thriving?

2. It is just for affect for the aquatic plants, but I bought a circulation pump that I added into my tank, but now I am questioning if this is okay for Sunny D. (my Red Zebra African Cichlid) He tends to be hiding more than usual and I'm okay taking it out, I just like the wave affect it had.

Thanks in advance!

(p.s. let me know if you need pics of the plants)

 

[Fishnerd360]

1. Where is your anubias located, is its ribosomes showing/is it attached to something? Anubias is a plant that can be kept in almost any aquarium light as long as the ribosomes are showing.

2. The pump should be ok for the fish.

 

[ydnim]

Fishnerd360
Thank you so much for the feedback!
I'm new to keeping aquatic plants -- I did a lot of research before hand, my Nitrates are a 0 and they are getting 12 hours of light (UVA/UVB) a day...What is a ribosome? I'm assuming its roots? If so, that would actually explain a lot since they are more buried on the side that is having problems. ?
Here are a few photos of the ones turning color and a picture of one that has been thriving on the opposite side of the tank. I just read an article about adding Iron to the tank... but I'm not sure how to go about that and if it would be safe for my little guy.

 

[K626]

The ribosome is the thick part between the thin roots and leaves. It looks like that java fern is buried way too deep. That thick part needs to be showing. Plants also need nitrates to feed on.

 

[ydnim]

K626

Sorry, I meant to say my Nitrite* is at a zero -- my Nitrate is working its way up. I believe you are referring to this guy: as the Java Fern, but it was actually sold to me as an Anubias. The substrate has pushed itself more to the right hand side of my tank, so I will be sure to shift it back over and make sure the ribosome is showing for all plants! Thank you so much!!

 

[K626]

K626

Sorry, I meant to say my Nitrite* is at a zero -- my Nitrate is working its way up. I believe you are referring to this guy:View attachment 1419818 as the Java Fern, but it was actually sold to me as an Anubias. The substrate has pushed itself more to the right hand side of my tank, so I will be sure to shift it back over and make sure the ribosome is showing for all plants! Thank you so much!!

Very welcome. I attached mine to wood. They don't usually do well planted ime. Same with anubias.

 

[deeda]

Anubias have a rhizome which is the fleshy part of the plant that the roots grow out from. It should be kept above the substrate because otherwise it will rot.

I agree that both Java Fern and Anubias do well when you can attach them to rocks or driftwood. You can use a rubberband to temporarily attach them but be sure it's not too tight.

 

[BIG-G]

Agree with D deeda .
The rhizome of anubias and java fern should never be buried in the substrate. It would cause the plant to rot.
There are a number of ways to attach the plants to rocks or wood.
You can use cyanoacrylate glue (super glue) just dry the rhizome with a paper towel and add just enough glue to hold it in place.
You can also use sewing thread to just tie it on, Use green or brown and you can’t see it. I like this method because the tread will just rot away leaving the plant attached.
You can also do the rubber band and eventually it to will rot and break loose.
Here’s a quick video that may help you understand a little better.

 

[duanes]

In the photo above the Rhizome is clearly visible, as a thick green part of the lower stem, you can see roots trailing off it in the lower left, and stems with leaves growing out of it.
Note, it, and even some roots are not totally buried.

 

[ydnim]

duanes
Thank you so much! The picture is really helpful!
I'll post any updates!