1. Light: steady and not too long
- Most planted tanks do well with about 6–8 hours of light a day. Start near 6 hours in a new tank and increase slowly.
- Use a timer so the light turns on and off at the same time every day. Plants and fish both like a fixed routine.
- More light makes plants grow faster, but it also needs more CO₂ and fertiliser. If you add light without the others, algae usually wins.
2. CO₂: optional for easy plants
- Easy plants like Anubias, Java Fern, Cryptocoryne and mosses grow well without added CO₂.
- Carpet plants and fast red stem plants usually need added CO₂ to look their best.
- If you use CO₂, switch it on a little before the lights and off around the time lights go off. Watch your fish — gasping at the surface means too much CO₂.
3. Fertiliser: feed roots and water
- Root-feeding plants such as Cryptocoryne, Amazon swords and carpets like a nutrient-rich soil or root tabs placed near their roots.
- Plants that take food from the water, like Anubias, Java Fern and stem plants, benefit from a liquid fertiliser.
- Start with a smaller dose than the bottle says and increase slowly while watching plants and algae.
4. Trimming and water changes
- Trim stem plants when they reach the surface and replant the healthy tops if you want a fuller look.
- Remove yellow, melting or dead leaves so they don't rot in the tank.
- Regular weekly water changes keep nutrients balanced and help prevent algae.
5. New plant melting is common
- Many plants, especially Cryptocoryne, may drop or melt some leaves after moving to a new tank. This is usually adjustment, not death.
- Cut away melted leaves, keep the roots in place and give it a few weeks — new leaves often grow from the base.
- Anubias and Java Fern should be tied to wood or stone. Burying their thick stem (rhizome) in soil can make it rot.
6. Algae means something is out of balance
- Algae usually comes from too much light, too many nutrients for the plants, or not enough CO₂ and water flow.
- First reduce light hours, keep water changes regular and avoid overfeeding fish.
- Adding more healthy, fast-growing plants helps them use nutrients before algae can.
Every tank is different. If your plants are struggling, send us a photo on WhatsApp and we'll help you find the cause.