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Hello,

I just upgraded my lights on my 25 Gallon last weekend (See my log). However I noticed that all my crypts, which were doing great, are all melting.

I went from 1.2WPG to 2.6 WPG. Will this cause crypts to melt and will the recover?

Thanks!

Rick
See all my pictures at Google Web Albums

I found the same thing! They preffer lower light. They will be ok in mid-high light but look best in low. I found that planting a plant next to it which likes mid-high ligth and has big leaves then shades the Crypts meaning it does well and so does the other plant

Hope this helps

I find that crypts melt whenever they go through a big environmental change, like being transplanted or upgrading light or a big increase or decrease in temperature.

I think they'll recover just fine, but in my experience and like juwel-180 said, they look healthiest in low.

Joe Potato

Some crypts do not like being moved too much apprently the roots must get damaged and they have to get used to new conditions. What can be done is take them out again and let them float for a month or so. By doing this you will be able to see the roots getting bigger and looking very healthy.

One thing I heard and read many years ago was never mix Crypts together as the stronger plant will take over. Apprently it is the roots that come intact with a weaker plant it is nothing but natures way of keeping a species variety surving.

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Keith

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Most of these plants actually omit a chemical that causes the melting/dieing effect you are talking about. When their environment changes or are moved they omit this chemical to kill any other plants in the general area to ensure they have enough light and nutrients to grow. As for why they did this when you up graded your lights will it might because you have to much WPG for a 29 gal tank. Watch your fert schedule and increase you CO2. Cut back on the time the lights are on. You may see an increase in hair algae and a green algae bloom.

Djrichie
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