This was our worst day yet. Major plant losses, oxygen problems, and emergency trips to the fish store.
Test Results
| Parameter | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | 0 ppm | Still holding |
| Nitrite | 5.0 ppm | CONFIRMED still at peak |
| Nitrate | ~5 ppm | Stable |
| Temperature | 75°F | Normal |
The Devastation
When we examined the tank this morning, we found disaster:
Red Root Floaters: Most dead. Of our 12-15 original plants, maybe 2-3 were still alive. The rest were brown, mushy, and disintegrating.
Anacharis (Water Wisteria): Severe losses. Most stems had melted into mush. Only a few healthy stems remained.
What happened? A combination of factors:
- Wave maker turbulence: The surface current battered the floaters constantly
- Extended high nitrite: 9+ days at 5.0 ppm killed delicate plants
- Yesterday’s fertilizer: May have contributed to the crash
The floaters and Anacharis were our most delicate plants. They couldn’t handle the stress.
Oxygen Crisis
All three snails were clustered at the very top of the tank—a clear sign of low oxygen. The decomposing plants were consuming oxygen, and our wave maker (which we’d reduced for the floaters) wasn’t providing enough surface agitation.
We removed the wave maker entirely and added a surface skimmer/filter. This creates bubbles and water movement without the harsh surface current that killed our floaters.
Fourth Water Change
Another 25% change to help dilute the decomposing matter and reduce stress on the snails. They slowly descended after the change and resumed grazing.
Emergency Plant Shopping
We couldn’t leave the tank with half its plants dead. That afternoon, we visited the local fish store for replacements:
Purchased:
- Hygrophila Polysperma (4 stems): Hardy, fast-growing, can handle tough conditions
- Brazilian Pennywort (5 stems): Versatile—can plant or float. Very hardy.
- Water Lettuce (8 plants): Floating plant that’s much hardier than Red Root Floaters
Total cost: ~$15-20
We chose these specifically because they’re known survivors. No more delicate species until the tank is fully established.
Planting the Replacements
We planted the Hygrophila and Pennywort in the back where the Anacharis had died. The Water Lettuce went on the surface as our new floating plant.
The tank looks sparse now, but these hardy plants should recover quickly and fill in the gaps.
What We Think Went Wrong
- The fertilizer was probably unnecessary - Walstad soil should provide enough nutrients. We’re watching to see if it causes other problems.
- Delicate plants can’t survive high nitrite - Should have chosen hardier species for cycling
- Surface agitation is a balancing act - Floaters need calm water, but snails need oxygen
- Wave makers are dangerous for floaters - They need protection or calm zones
This was a rough day. But we’re learning, and the tank will recover.
Status: MAJOR PLANT LOSSES - Replacements added - Oxygen issues addressed