What is happening to my leaves?

I am having some plant issues. I added plants about 2 weeks ago, some java fern, anubias, and jungle val. The java fern and anubias are turning yellow and have brown spots (pics attached). I am using Aquarium Coop Easy Green and Root Tabs.

ammonia = 0
nitrite = 0
nitrates = 5 ppm
temp = 78

 

What is your nitrate level right after you put the Easy Green in?

Since it has only been 2 weeks this could just be aclimatization.

 

Wow. I just measured nitrate after putting in the Easy Green and it is 20 ppm.

 

20 is a good level. Over the next few days check the levels and see how long it takes to drop down low again. You might need to re-dose sooner.

 

Dumb question, but you didn't plant the Java Fern and Anubias directly into the substrate did you?

 

Dumb question, but you didn't plant the Java Fern and Anubias directly into the substrate did you?

Actually a very smart question! How did you place the Anubias and Java Fern in the tank? Are they planted in the substrate?

 

20 is a good level. Over the next few days check the levels and see how long it takes to drop down low again. You might need to re-dose sooner.

Okay. I'll keep an eye on it over the next few days. And the high nitrates won't bother the snails?

Actually a very smart question! How did you place the Anubias and Java Fern in the tank? Are they planted in the substrate?

No, both the anubias and java are attached to rocks using Gorilla Glue. I planted the jungle val in the substrate and added root tabs for them.

 

Okay. I'll keep an eye on it over the next few days. And the high nitrates won't bother the snails

Nitrates are one of the main ingredients in the fertilizer. Once your plants use them you can add more.

 

Looks like you are missing quite a few nutrients: Phosphate, Nitrogen, Calcium, etc. Look at the link here:
Plant Deficiency Picture Diagram

I mix my own dry fertilizers, Macros and Micros, but if you want something pre-made...try this: https://www.amazon.com/Liquid-NPK-A...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

 

2 weeks ago....java fern.....I wouldn't do anything dramatic.
Plant is simply adapting; and ferns adapt slow.

I lost count of the number of tank I've set up with java ferns. In most cases, within a few days or weeks, they look as if a nuke-bomb was dropped. In the months to come, they start to look better thanks to new leaves forming of the rhizome.

Not sure if it is still common practice today, but at least 10 years ago or so, sellers would just send the rhizome, as the leaves would not survive when introduced to a tank anyhow.

Best thing to do is keep nutrient levels stable; most likely this is done with your normal water changes and your fish swimming around.

If you decide to add fertilizers, do it very modestly, and importantly, do it steady.
A little extra potassium is appreciated by ferns, but don't sweat about it.

Java ferns....patience. Mighty strong plant in so many conditions. It grows in a bucket in my basement. It grows in direct sunlight. Soft water. Harder water. Cold. Warm. Etc. etc. It also grows when planted in the substrate - just keep the rhizome above the substrate. But this holds for any plant. The green parts should be up in the air or water.

 

Looks like you are missing quite a few nutrients: Phosphate, Nitrogen, Calcium, etc. Look at the link here:
Plant Deficiency Picture Diagram

I mix my own dry fertilizers, Macros and Micros, but if you want something pre-made...try this: https://www.amazon.com/Liquid-NPK-Aquarium-Fertilizer-Aquatics/dp/B00VIO6LCI/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2BY6097EK739M&keywords=nilocg+aquatics+liquid+npk+m+500ml+bottles+highly&qid=1658777964&sprefix=nilocg+npk,aps,115&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&smid=AL6CLNCYENSL2&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQUI0UlRIT0s1UUVZJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODAyNTc5MUw4UDRHNVJFUktZNCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzQ4OTUzUDJXMjE4VFE4S1JNJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Thanks very much. I already have and add everything on the diagram. In addition to the Easy Green, I add calcium chips and cuttlebone for the calcium, Seachem for nitrogen, iron, phosphate and potassium (individually) as needed per the API tests, baking soda for the KH/GH levels as needed per the API tests.

2 weeks ago....java fern.....I wouldn't do anything dramatic.
Plant is simply adapting; and ferns adapt slow.

I lost count of the number of tank I've set up with java ferns. In most cases, within a few days or weeks, they look as if a nuke-bom was dropped. In the months to come, they start to look better thanks to new leaves forming of the rhizome.

Not sure if it is still common practice, but at least 10 years ago or so, sellers would just send the rhizome, as the leaves would not survive when introduced to a tank anyhow.

Best thing to do is keep nutrient levels stable; most likely this is done with your normal water changes and your fish swimming around.

If you decide to add fertilizers, do it very modestly, and importantly, do it steady.
A little extra potassium is appreciated by ferns, but don't sweat about it.

Java ferns....patience. Mighty strong plant in so many conditions. It grows in a bucket in my basement. It grows in direct sunlight. Soft water. Harder water. Cold. Warm. Etc. etc. It also grows when planted in the substrate - just keep the rhizome above the substrate. But this holds for any plant. The green parts should be up in the air or water.

This is so helpful! I feel less crazy now. Definitely, the javas look like a nuke-bomb!!! I will just try and be patient, continue checking the levels and leave them alone. I so appreciate the help.