Anubias Nana White Spots – Your Expert Guide To Diagnosis And Cure

Written ByHoward Parker

You’ve meticulously planned your aquascape. You chose the beautiful, hardy Anubias nana for its deep green leaves and easy-going nature. But one day, you look into your tank and see them—small, stubborn, chalky white or pale green dots speckling those perfect leaves. It’s a frustrating sight for any aquarist.

If you’re staring at your plant wondering what went wrong, take a deep breath. Those pesky blemishes are one of the most common issues aquarists face, and seeing anubias nana white spots is more of a signal from your tank than a disaster.

Imagine your Anubias looking lush and vibrant again, its leaves a flawless, deep green canvas that enhances your entire aquarium. That’s not just a dream—it’s completely achievable. You have the power to turn things around.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what those spots are, why they appear, and the step-by-step methods to get rid of them for good. Let’s bring your Anubias back to its full glory!

First, What Exactly Are Those Anubias Nana White Spots?

Before we can fix the problem, we need to properly identify it. When you see these hard, circular dots, you’re almost certainly looking at a specific type of algae that loves slow-growing plants.

The number one culprit behind these spots is Green Spot Algae (GSA), scientific name Coleochaete orbicularis. It starts as tiny, dark green dots and can sometimes appear whitish or pale, especially on darker leaves. It’s incredibly tough and feels like a tiny speck of concrete on the leaf surface.

While GSA is the most common cause, here are a couple of other less likely possibilities:

  • Mineral Deposits: In tanks with very hard water (high GH), you might see some calcium or magnesium deposits on leaves. These are usually easier to wipe away than GSA.
  • Nutrient Deficiency: Though rare for Anubias, pinholes or yellowing spots can sometimes be mistaken for algae. However, GSA sits on top of the leaf, while deficiencies appear as part of the leaf tissue itself.

For the vast majority of aquarists, this is a classic case of GSA. So, our anubias nana white spots guide will focus on tackling this specific algae head-on.

The Root Causes: Why GSA Targets Your Anubias

Algae doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. It’s a symptom of an imbalance in your aquarium’s ecosystem. Anubias, being a slow-growing plant, is a prime target because it doesn’t outcompete algae for nutrients as quickly as faster-growing stem plants.

Here are the primary imbalances that invite Green Spot Algae to the party.

Imbalanced Lighting

This is the biggest trigger. GSA thrives in high-light conditions. If your light is too intense or you leave it on for too long (more than 8-10 hours), you’re essentially rolling out the red carpet for this algae. Anubias are naturally low-light plants and don’t need a blazing sun above them.

Low Phosphate Levels

This might sound counterintuitive—don’t we want low nutrients to prevent algae? Not exactly. Healthy plants need a balance of macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus (phosphates), and potassium (NPK). When phosphates bottom out while light and other nutrients remain high, GSA takes advantage. It’s a classic sign of a phosphate deficiency.

Inconsistent CO2

For those running a high-tech tank with CO2 injection, fluctuations are a major stressor for plants. If your CO2 levels drop during the photoperiod (when the lights are on), your plants can’t photosynthesize effectively. This brief “pause” is all the opportunity GSA needs to gain a foothold.

Poor Water Flow

Anubias leaves are broad and can create “dead spots” where water doesn’t circulate well. These stagnant areas allow algae spores to easily settle on the leaf surface and begin to grow without being disturbed. Proper flow delivers nutrients to the plant and keeps spores moving.

Your Step-by-Step Anubias Nana White Spots Guide to Removal

Ready to fight back? Tackling GSA is a two-part process: manual removal to clean up the existing mess, followed by addressing the root cause to prevent it from coming back. Here are some effective anubias nana white spots tips for immediate action.

Step 1: Manual Removal (The First Line of Defense)

Green Spot Algae is tough, so you’ll need a little elbow grease. The good news is that Anubias leaves are very robust and can handle a gentle scrub.

  1. Turn off your filter to prevent dislodged algae from floating around your tank.
  2. Use a tool to gently scrape the spots off. An old credit card, a dedicated algae scraper, or even your thumbnail works wonders.
  3. Apply steady pressure and work slowly. You should see the hard spots flake off.
  4. Once you’re done, perform a small water change and use a gravel vacuum to siphon out any debris you knocked loose.

Step 2: The “Spot Treatment” Pro-Tip

For a more targeted chemical approach, you can spot treat the algae directly in the tank. This is one of the most effective methods for how to handle anubias nana white spots.

You can use either Seachem Excel (a liquid carbon source) or 3% hydrogen peroxide. Always proceed with caution.

  1. Turn off all filters and powerheads to stop water circulation.
  2. Using a pipette or syringe, draw up a small amount of your chosen liquid (a few milliliters is plenty).
  3. Slowly apply the liquid directly onto the affected leaves. You may see the algae start to bubble, which is a sign it’s working.
  4. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, but no longer.
  5. Turn your filters and pumps back on. The treated algae will die off and turn white or grey over the next day or two, at which point snails or shrimp may eat it.

Step 3: When to Trim a Leaf

Sometimes, a leaf is just too far gone. If it’s more than 50% covered in stubborn GSA or is looking yellow and unhealthy, it’s often better for the plant if you remove it. Use sharp aquascaping scissors and snip the leaf stem as close to the rhizome as possible without damaging the rhizome itself. This allows the plant to redirect its energy into producing healthy, new growth.

Long-Term Prevention: Anubias Nana White Spots Best Practices

Removing the algae is satisfying, but it’s only half the battle. To win the war, you need to create an environment where GSA can’t thrive. This is where sustainable and eco-friendly anubias nana white spots prevention comes into play.

Dialing in Your Lighting

This is the most crucial step. Reduce your lighting period to 6-8 hours per day. Use an outlet timer to ensure consistency, as your plants (and the algae) thrive on routine. If your light has a dimmer, consider reducing the intensity by 10-20%.

Balancing Your Nutrients (Especially Phosphates)

Don’t let your phosphates bottom out! Test your water, and if your phosphates are undetectable, it’s time to start dosing. Aim for a consistent, low level of 0.5 – 1.5 ppm. A quality all-in-one aquarium fertilizer that contains phosphates is the easiest way to achieve this balance. This is a core part of any good anubias nana white spots care guide.

Improving Water Circulation

Ensure you have gentle, consistent flow throughout your aquarium. You shouldn’t see any leaves sitting perfectly still. If you have dead spots, consider adding a small powerhead or adjusting your filter output to create a more circular flow pattern in the tank.

Introducing an Algae-Eating Crew

Harness the power of nature! Certain critters are fantastic at controlling GSA. The undisputed champions are Nerite Snails. Their rasping mouths are one of the few things that can effectively scrape this tough algae off surfaces. Otocinclus catfish and some species of shrimp will also help, but Nerites are the specialists for this job.

The Benefits of a Healthy, Spot-Free Anubias Nana

Putting in the effort to solve this issue has rewards far beyond just looks. Understanding the benefits of anubias nana white spots being gone is about recognizing the signs of a healthy ecosystem.

  • Stunning Aesthetics: First and foremost, a clean Anubias is a beautiful Anubias. Its deep green provides a gorgeous, natural contrast in any aquascape.
  • A Sign of Balance: A spot-free Anubias is a visual indicator that your lighting, nutrients, and flow are in harmony. It means your entire aquarium is stable and healthy.
  • Improved Plant Health: With its leaves clear of algae, your Anubias can photosynthesize more efficiently, leading to stronger roots and more vigorous growth.
  • A Healthier Ecosystem: A thriving plant helps purify your water by consuming nitrates and other waste products, contributing to better overall water quality for your fish and invertebrates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anubias Nana White Spots

Are the white spots harmful to my fish?

No, Green Spot Algae itself is not harmful to your fish or shrimp. However, it is a clear sign that your aquarium is out of balance, and the underlying issues (like poor water quality or wild nutrient swings) could eventually stress your fish if left unaddressed.

Can I just scrape the spots off and not change anything else?

You can, but the spots will almost certainly return, often with a vengeance. Manual removal is just treating the symptom. You must address the root cause—usually lighting and/or phosphate levels—to solve the problem for good.

My Anubias is new and already has spots. What should I do?

This is common. The plant could be stressed from being moved from the grower’s setup to your tank. The spots might have already been present, or the change in conditions triggered a small bloom. Follow the manual removal steps and give it time to acclimate while ensuring your tank parameters are stable.

Do Nerite snails really eat Green Spot Algae?

Absolutely! They are one of the few members of the “clean-up crew” that actively and effectively consume tough GSA. If you’re battling these spots, adding a few Nerite snails is one of the best biological solutions available.

Your Path to a Perfect Anubias

Seeing those white spots on your Anubias nana can be disheartening, but don’t let it discourage you. Every single aquarist, from beginner to expert, has battled algae at some point. It’s a rite of passage!

Think of it as your aquarium’s way of communicating with you. Those spots are a message, telling you that something needs a small adjustment. By understanding the cause—an imbalance of light, nutrients, and flow—you now have the knowledge to respond.

You have the tools to clean the leaves and, more importantly, the long-term strategies to keep them clean. Go forward with confidence, make those small changes, and watch your Anubias nana transform back into the stunning centerpiece it was always meant to be. Happy scaping!

Howard Parker
Latest posts by Howard Parker (see all)
Related posts
  • Anubias Aquarium Plant Facts – The Ultimate Guide For Lush
  • Anubias Nana Golden Tissue Culture – Your Ultimate Guide