I have a crypt wendtii that I planted on August 6th. I did loose some leaves when I first planed it, but not too many. During last week's water change I cleanded some of the brown algae off it's leaves just by using my fingers and now more leaves are melting. I thought it would only melt if it was move. Is this normal behavior? I also have a crypto balansaet hat lost more of it's leaves when first planted but it is growing great now.
Kelley
This was taken out of a profile written by Byron
"Crypt Melt: All species in the Cryptocoryne genus require stable water parameters/conditions and light, and once planted, crypts should not be moved. It generally takes up to 30 days for a crypt to become established. Within a couple of days of any significant change in temperature, pH, hardness, light intensity or duration, nutrient availability or disturbance to the roots by moving (either within the aquarium or to a different aquarium), the plant may "melt." This condition involves the leaves disintegrating into a pile of mush, sometimes within a day or two. The roots usually remain alive, and if not disturbed (siphon away the "mush" but do not disturb the roots) new leaves tend to appear within a matter of a few days or sometimes longer, even up to several weeks or (more rarely) months. Some authorities report that introducing plants to an established aquarium (3+ months) can reduce the occurrence of a melt. C. walkeri 'lutea' does not like being moved once it is established."
"Crypt Melt: All species in the Cryptocoryne genus require stable water parameters/conditions and light, and once planted, crypts should not be moved. It generally takes up to 30 days for a crypt to become established. Within a couple of days of any significant change in temperature, pH, hardness, light intensity or duration, nutrient availability or disturbance to the roots by moving (either within the aquarium or to a different aquarium), the plant may "melt." This condition involves the leaves disintegrating into a pile of mush, sometimes within a day or two. The roots usually remain alive, and if not disturbed (siphon away the "mush" but do not disturb the roots) new leaves tend to appear within a matter of a few days or sometimes longer, even up to several weeks or (more rarely) months. Some authorities report that introducing plants to an established aquarium (3+ months) can reduce the occurrence of a melt. C. walkeri 'lutea' does not like being moved once it is established."
Following up on that (thanks kmiceray
), I would look to the possibility that the water change caused a "significant" (to the plant) environmental change. Has the pH (or hardness, though this latter is unlikely) altered in the tap water for instance? I had this occur several years ago.
Regardless of the reason, leaving the plant alone to adjust is the only "treatment."
Byron.
), I would look to the possibility that the water change caused a "significant" (to the plant) environmental change. Has the pH (or hardness, though this latter is unlikely) altered in the tap water for instance? I had this occur several years ago.Regardless of the reason, leaving the plant alone to adjust is the only "treatment."
Byron.
Yeah actually a little worried about my crypts just moved the pair from a 20 to a 55. Luckly one was left in a pot so I think that one might be ok. and well the other is still tiny so if its leaves fell off I wouldn't be missing too much. All amazing four leaves, darn tiny crypt nurii. But he'll grow and spathe eventually. No less just keep pluckin off the dead stuff and hopefully it'll perk back up.
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