Lack of CO2 can cause exactly that look, its a common sight on java fern in bad CO2 conditions.



Crazy-

If your light is highish, and trying to drive fast growth, and your dosing nutrients, then it has to be CO2.. if you want to do a non-co2 tank, then turn down the lighting and switch to a light dosing schedule. The problems arise when we try to do something in the middle. Good light with no Co2 = nightmares on a stick.