Foliage too dense?

[cloud]

Hi all,

In the main I have a healthy planted set up in my 30gal. There are a lot of plants and they're all doing well except for my taller bunch at the back.

They're well established but the older leaves are so large and dense that the new ones growing underneath can't get any light, and so grow brown and die. The plants themselves appear fine and in no danger of dying off. But a don't imagine it's too good for a plant to not be able to grow new leaves.

I'd like to avoid adding extra light as - appart from this - things are growing at a good (not too out off controll) rate and I have no algea problems at the moment.

Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[TKOS]

Trim the older leaves off. I do it with my Amazon Sword all the time. I pick the leaves that tend to have more algae spots on them. I am just about to clear up my java ferns as well.

 

[geoffgarcia]

in nature there is often current that moves plants around, exposing lower leaves to direct sunlight from time to time, even as the sun moves across the sky it gives lighting from different angles.

in our aquariums the light is from directly above, so for the lower leaves to get the appropriate amount of light is not always possible.

apart from pruning the upper or lower leaves you might consider investing in a light for the side of your tank which you turn on for a portion of the day, or perhaps add more current.