Freshwater Aquarium Plants - Spotting Plant Problems

Even the best of us are going to have someIf the plants begin to fall apart after the holes form,
problems with aquarium plants at some time orit may be due to rot. This is probably the result of
another. The good news is that plant disease intoo many nitrates in the water. Changing the water
aquariums is a rare occurrence. But if it does occur,should correct this problem.
it's a good thing to know what to look for and whatIf you see your plant's leaves turning brown or black,
to do about it. Don't spend a lot time worrying aboutthis can indicate decay. The likely culprit of this is too
it. If the plants look good and are growing newmuch iron. Again, water changes can help reduce this
shoots or buds, they are more than likely in goodproblem. If the leaves are turning yellow they may
shape.be suffering from an iron deficiency. Get some
Knowing what to look for and what to do ifaquatic plant fertilizer with iron at your pet or
something happens will go a long way in helping youaquarium store and the problem should clear up.
not lose all your live aquatic plants. So get smart andIf you find that some plants are doing fine and
learn the early telltale signs of trouble and know whatothers are dying you could have a CO2 problem.
to do to correct the problem.Some plants have a harder time extracting CO2 than
If your plants develop holes in the leaves, it might beothers. Make sure you have enough CO2 in the
caused by fish nibbling on them. If your fish arewater.
vegetarians then you have provided them with aYou can add CO2 through water changes or by
good food source. Just be ready to keep replacingadding pressurized CO2 equipment. These systems
the plants as a food supply. Your fish will be grateful.are nice but they can be expensive.