I have a moderately planted tank, using mostly plants I've read about here. I keep Africans in this tank, no Mbunas, and haven't had a problem with them eating them yet. I have a 55 gallon, with 2 54 watt T5 bulbs. My PH is 8.4, too high for many plants, though the group I have now does well for the most part.
So the question: I have had two Amazon Swords since set up 8 months ago. They were doing okay initially, though growing very slowly. I added the new lights, roughly double the previous wattage. They have done better since, growth wise, but the leaves have a black algae growing on them. These leaves are original; the new leaves don't have this. Should I cut the plants all the way back and allow them to grow out again? They are in the back corners and fill out the backs nicely so I've avoided heavy trimming to this point, only removing dead leaves. However, the algae is not attractive and no other plants get this. I have also Java Fern, Vallesneria, Anacharis, Baby's Tears, Onion, and Hornwort.
So the question: I have had two Amazon Swords since set up 8 months ago. They were doing okay initially, though growing very slowly. I added the new lights, roughly double the previous wattage. They have done better since, growth wise, but the leaves have a black algae growing on them. These leaves are original; the new leaves don't have this. Should I cut the plants all the way back and allow them to grow out again? They are in the back corners and fill out the backs nicely so I've avoided heavy trimming to this point, only removing dead leaves. However, the algae is not attractive and no other plants get this. I have also Java Fern, Vallesneria, Anacharis, Baby's Tears, Onion, and Hornwort.
