What's wrong with my swords plants?

PattyCakes81

AC Members
Jun 26, 2010
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Patricia
What does it mean when sword plant leaves turn brown?

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Pics of affect plants:
uploadfromtaptalk1360005085713.jpg
uploadfromtaptalk1360005098087.jpg

Any help and tips greatly appreciated:D
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uploadfromtaptalk1360005085713.jpg uploadfromtaptalk1360005098087.jpg
 
They aren't getting enough iron.

For swords, I would add an iron supplement as well as epsom salt (magnesium) for best results.

You are talking about dry ferts? Like the ones Bob (mgamer2000) sells. Should I also get the root tabs?

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Well you can go dry ferts or liquid ferts (flourish line by Seachem).

I use Flourish (9 different ferts) plus epsom slat and I have very little issues.

Root tabs aren't bad, I use make sure to give one to each sword though.

Does Flourish cover the iron issue? how would I dose epsom salt to the tank? I also I a crypt, do I put a root tab next to it too?
 
Patty, FWIW, my anubias nana and argentine sword look the same way in my 10gal with FloraMax substrate. Brown spots.

I just attributed it to the new tank? Maybe not.

OTOH, the java fern in my 29gal is pretty much all green and seems to be growing (sloooooooly)

Joel
 
That does not (to me) look like Iron deficiency. Needs maybe Phosphate or Nitrate. Clip off those leaves and let the plant use it's energy on the good leaves.

How long has the plant been in the tank?? Are you root feeding?? Swords love root food.
 
Since your just setting up your tanks and still cycling. What are your current tank parameters?

It looks like transport/transplant shock to me. If you notice the browning is on otherwise healthy leaves. Not a typical nitrogen or other nutrient deficiency symptom. Probably got injured during the shipping/transplanting and your seeing the effects of the damage now.

You'll want to begin a fertilizer regimine. I purchase mine from Bob as well. You can go two ways: Look up the individual components and dose them according to the proscribed schedule (found here http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?136668-Co2-Fertilization-Algae-and-more-updated-10-10-%281-Viewing%29) or order bobs CSM+B NPK & Iron Combo mix. You can also purchase from other places. Just look for a Micro/Macro & trace mix.

Once you get to know plant nutrition and your tank it's possible to tweak the formulation to get the results you want. Hence I have my very own high N & Fe mix that I use. It's only taken me 20 years working in agriculture and plant science to figure it out.

BTW pruning leaves affected by nutrient deficiency is always a very bad idea. Fix the nutrient issue first, let new healthy growth recover, and then prune off the older affected leaves. Pruning plants that small will stunt the growth and lead to more issues. This is especially true with slow growers like that E. parviflorus in the picture.
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"V":

I was always taught to remove old, damaged, leaves. Give more energy/nutrients to the other leaves.

PS--Are you sure that is E. Parviflorus?? Looks like E. Cordifolius to me.
 
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