Does there appear to be any damage on the part of the leaf that would normally be attached to the rest of the plant? Whenever I hear about "healthy" leaves becoming detached, my first reaction is that there is something munching on it and causing the damage, i.e. snails, etc.

 

...is that there is something munching on it and causing the damage, i.e. snails, etc.

Ah, I didn't think of that possibility at all. I will have to look when the next one comes loose.

I do know:
1. The tank has shrimp and ramshorn snails, neither of which has a shortage of other food.
2. The tank is about 1 year old, with the same fauna. This didn't start until about 2 months ago.
3. Mulm has piled up above the substrate around where the leaves attach.

Maybe those are clues?

 

Hi ObiQuiet,

Are you dosing Excel or other liquid CO2 supplement?

 

Are you dosing Excel or other liquid CO2 supplement?

These are in an El Natural setup, with no CO2. Tomorrow is testing day, so I can post #s then.

 

Hi, Obi . . .

I have never had a NPT that was established for a year that didn't need nitrates at some point, often several times a year. You might check that.

Bill

 

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Here's the data:

* Lost leaves look like they're fractured -- if it was wood, I'd say "splintered".
* Temp: 24-25C
* pH 7.5, KH 9, GH 13.5, NH3 0, NO3 10, PO4 0.5

 

Is the GH and KH degrees or ppm?
If it is ppm, then that might be the problem: Vals prefer harder water.
If those are degrees, then this certainly is not the problem.