Anubias is a popular aquarium plant, prized for its attractive foliage and low-maintenance requirements. It is a slow-growing species that is easy to care for and can bring a lot of beauty to your tank. Under the right conditions, Anubias should be lush and green, but if your Anubias is turning yellow, it could be a sign of several different issues. In this article, we’ll explore the most common causes of yellowing Anubias and how to fix them.
1. Too Much Light
One of the most common reasons for yellowing Anubias is too much light. Anubias is a low-light species and it doesn’t need a lot of intense lighting to thrive. If your Anubias is receiving more than eight hours of light per day, it is likely too much, and the leaves may start to yellow.
To fix this issue, reduce the amount of light your Anubias is receiving. If you have a high output lighting system, you may need to install a dimmer switch so that you can control the intensity. If you have floating plants, you can also use them to shade your Anubias and reduce the amount of light it receives directly.
2. Too Little Light
It may seem counterintuitive, but Anubias can also yellow if it doesn’t receive enough light. Anubias needs a certain amount of light to survive and stay healthy. If your Anubias is getting less than five hours of light per day, the leaves may start to yellow or become pale and discolored.
To fix this issue, increase the amount of light your Anubias is receiving. If you have a low-light system, you may need to upgrade your lighting to a higher output system that provides more light. You can also reduce the amount of floating plants in your tank, as these can block some of the light and prevent it from reaching your Anubias.
3. Wrong pH Level
Anubias prefers a slightly acidic pH level, usually between 6.5 and 7.5. If the pH level in your tank is too high or too low, the leaves of your Anubias may start to yellow.
To fix this issue, test the pH level of your tank and adjust it if necessary. You can also use chemical additives to bring the pH level back to the ideal range. Be sure to follow the directions carefully and use only small amounts of chemical additives, as too much can be harmful to your fish and other tank inhabitants.
4. Nutrient Deficiency
Anubias can also yellow due to a nutrient deficiency. Anubias needs certain nutrients, such as iron, to stay healthy and green. If the water in your tank is lacking in certain essential nutrients, your Anubias may start to yellow.
To fix this issue, you can supplement your tank water with aquarium plant fertilizers. These fertilizers provide your Anubias with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and green. Be sure to use aquarium fertilizers specifically designed for plants, as other types of fertilizers can be harmful to your fish and other tank inhabitants.
5. Poor Water Quality
Lastly, poor water quality can also cause Anubias to yellow. Anubias is a hardy species, but it still needs clean and clear water to stay healthy. If the water in your tank is dirty, it can cause the leaves of your Anubias to yellow.
To fix this issue, make sure to keep the water in your tank clean and clear. Perform regular water changes and clean the gravel and decorations regularly. If you have a filtration system, make sure it is working properly and replace the filter media regularly.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a few different reasons why your Anubias might be turning yellow. The most common causes are too much or too little light, a wrong pH level, nutrient deficiency, and poor water quality. However, with the right care and maintenance, you can prevent your Anubias from turning yellow and keep it looking beautiful and healthy.