Aquarium plants should bring delicate to strong green into the aquarium. This usually works too. But unfortunately it also happens that the color escapes from them. The leaves become more and more transparent until only the leaf structure is clearly visible.
My aquarium plants are becoming transparent, what can I do?
Aquarium plants that become more transparent usually suffer fromIron deficiencyThe ideal iron value in the aquarium is 0.05 to 0.1 mg/l. Increase the value withIron fertilizer Potassium or magnesium deficiency as well as acclimatization problems with new plants also cause faded leaves. Fish can also “suck out” leaves.
Why are my aquarium plants turning transparent?
There is not just one answer to the question of why certain aquatic plants become transparent. Take a closer look at theliving conditions in the aquarium as well as all care points, especially fertilizing. There is usually one of the following causes:
- Nutrient Deficiency
- especiallyiron deficiency (chlorosis)
- Conversion problems after insertion
- especially for plants grown in emerses
- Nibbling/sucking by fish
- Lack of light, unfavorable Co2 value
How do I recognize iron deficiency in aquarium plants?
Based on the visible deficiency symptoms, you can easily see whether your plant is lacking the element iron:
- new shoots stay bright
- In extreme cases it can even look white
- Easily recognizable by fast-growing stem plants
- older leaves show signs of chlorosis
- Leaf veins stay green
- the remainingfabric fades
If iron deficiency lasts longer, aquarium plants may die.
How can I compensate for an iron deficiency?
You can compensate for iron deficiency by using a weakly stabilizediron fertilizer every day until the deficiency is eliminated. But never fertilize just on suspicion, because an iron concentration that is too high is not good either. It fuels the growth of algae, which then has to be laboriously fought or removed from the plants. If you suspect iron deficiency, you can measure the iron level using a suitable test. In the planted aquarium, the iron concentration should be 0.05 to 0.1 mg/l.
How do I stop fish from sucking leaves?
If catfish, barbel or other fish suck the leaves, distract themwith substitute food.cucumber slices, pepper strips, zucchini pieces and lettuce leaves are popular. Cut off leaves that are already severely damaged.
Tip
Fertilize your aquarium plants regularly with iron
The divalent iron required cannot be fertilized in reserve as it oxidizes quickly and precipitates. Therefore, consider fertilizing with iron as a regular task. Dosage and frequency depends on whether you use a complete fertilizer or a special iron fertilizer.
