New questions

[Dennisb]

So I just started attempting a planted tank. So I went over to my un-trustworthy petsmart/petco and bought some aquatic plants. After reading I realize they sell allot of aquatic plants that in fact are not aquatic. Can I get a confirmation on these plants please?


Left corner
http://gaming-paradox.com/fishies/plants3.jpg

Numbered:
http://gaming-paradox.com/fishies/plants5.jpg

Center
http://gaming-paradox.com/fishies/plants.jpg

Thanks for your time and sorry for the 800x600 images!

[jahma]

I have a Petco close by. You got the variety pack. I talked to the manager about it and he said he brought it up at the last manager meeting about selling non aquatics as aquatics. So we may be able to change thier ways by pointing out we are on to them. I bought the same group but knew what I was buying(on sell). Petco has very excellent driftwood small pieces for $4 so I go there. (And the girls are really nice)

1 Is non aquatic. It grows like bamboo does. I have it growing out a fish bowl by a window.
2 Is Bolbtis heudeloti which is aquatic. Its a low light plant. It likes water current and can grow on driftwood (epiphitically).
3. Is a small sword plant I belive. It is aquatic. Not in my plant pack.
4. Is Syngonium podophyllum. People have said it grows well in water. It is offically non aquatic. I have mine in a tank. I wanted to see if it would grow out the water. It is days away from being pulled out, but it looks good.

[Dennisb]

I have a Petco close by. You got the variety pack. I talked to the manager about it and he said he brought it up at the last manager meeting about selling non aquatics as aquatics. So we may be able to change thier ways by pointing out we are on to them. I bought the same group but knew what I was buying(on sell). Petco has very excellent driftwood small pieces for $4 so I go there. (And the girls are really nice)

1 Is non aquatic. It grows like bamboo does. I have it growing out a fish bowl by a window.
2 Is Bolbtis heudeloti which is aquatic. Its a low light plant. It likes water current and can grow on driftwood (epiphitically).
3. Is a small sword plant I belive. It is aquatic. Not in my plant pack.
4. Is Syngonium podophyllum. People have said it grows well in water. It is offically non aquatic. I have mine in a tank. I wanted to see if it would grow out the water. It is days away from being pulled out, but it looks good.

Is this the same as #1? I thought it looked like a sword but plant eyes are bad.
http://gaming-paradox.com/fishies/plantsedited.jpg

[BoredAgain]

I don't see why you say they are untrustworthy, isn't it up to the buyer to know what they are buying? Plants are just like fish, you need to research their needs before purchasing. Petsmart/Petco does sell a lot of aquatic plants, you just need to know what to look for. They sell the non-aquatic plants because there are many people that look for these for terrariums, plaudariums, etc. My local Petsmart and Petco both have dedicated tanks for aquatic plants (though Petsmart is slowing moving away from them)...with the non-aquatic plants on a shelf in tubes. Now if you see employees telling you that non-aquatic plants will be fine fully submerged, then you have a problem.

Leave the non-aquatic plants in your tank if you want, just pull them when they show signs of rot...then replace them with aquatic plants.

[Dennisb]

I don't see why you say they are untrustworthy, isn't it up to the buyer to know what they are buying? Plants are just like fish, you need to research their needs before purchasing. Petsmart/Petco does sell a lot of aquatic plants, you just need to know what to look for. They sell the non-aquatic plants because there are many people that look for these for terrariums, plaudariums, etc. My local Petsmart and Petco both have dedicated tanks for aquatic plants (though Petsmart is slowing moving away from them)...with the non-aquatic plants on a shelf in tubes. Now if you see employees telling you that non-aquatic plants will be fine fully submerged, then you have a problem.

Leave the non-aquatic plants in your tank if you want, just pull them when they show signs of rot...then replace them with aquatic plants.

I had asked for their most knowledgeable employee in the aquatics to come talk to me. He sat there and explained for a while and it sounded like he knew what he was talking about. Ive been looking and researching but there are far too many plants for me to memorize and burn into my mind. They didn't have what I was looking for so I had asked what was like it. He said he knew what I was talking about and suggested the pack. Later I came home and read about them selling non-aquatic plants as aquatic.

[BoredAgain]

I had asked for their most knowledgeable employee in the aquatics to come talk to me. He sat there and explained for a while and it sounded like he knew what he was talking about. Ive been looking and researching but there are far too many plants for me to memorize and burn into my mind. They didn't have what I was looking for so I had asked what was like it. He said he knew what I was talking about and suggested the pack. Later I came home and read about them selling non-aquatic plants as aquatic.

Then do what I said as far as keeping them until you need to toss them...or take them out and return them. Then take your money to a place that actually sells aquatic plants...or purchase online. If I were you, I'd definitely take them back.

[Dennisb]

Then do what I said as far as keeping them until you need to toss them...or take them out and return them. Then take your money to a place that actually sells aquatic plants...or purchase online. If I were you, I'd definitely take them back.

I was thinking about that. I Found a LFS close by that has lots of plants. They have 2 200g tanks specifically for plants. I will be purchasing from them for now on and ebay most likely.

[plantling]

There are a lot of plants out there, and too many to memorize, but I thought I'd share this page from the plantgeek site. You would want to steer away from buying these non-aquatic plants.

http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_list.php?category=11

[jahma]

It is not the same as #1. Its a sword.

[theotheragentm]

Plant 1 that looks like it has two colors on it is not aquatic. It will last a relatively long time underwater, but will be stagnant in growth and eventually rot away.

[Bansart]

hello dennisb. Im glad you are taking interest in a planted tank. About purchasing plants, I think you should definetly do a significant amount of research about which plants are best for your tank before purchasing them at the store or online. I spent countless amount of money cause I just jumped right into it without research and end up having misreable looking plants barely clinging to life and eventually wasting away cause I didnt read about them (some plants love really bright light and some dont, etc). I also warn you about purchasing plants on ebay which I did. I purchased away thinking Im getting a good deal due to their item titles (i.e java fern 50 plus leaves) when in fact your paying more due to added shipping per each item plus when you get your plants it looks like they shrunk it compared to the pictures online. buying in bulk or locally or from your lfs is better. heres a site where I bought some plants www.azgardens.com (http://www.azgardens.com). there are tons of sites out there. I also recommend purchasing this book..well worth it if your beginner or even advance - encyclopedia of aquarium plants by peter hiscock. Have fun plant hunting:)

[eroomlorac]

YIKES! I have plant #1 in my tank. I will be taking it out and planting it in a pot. I had no idea. It is very pretty. Can it grow in regular potting soil, then?

[Dennisb]

Thanks for all the information everyone. Ive planted the non aquatics in pots on my patio... Hopefully they do well.