Aponogeton and Cories?

[ChilDawg]

Hey all,
I just took the plunge into aquatic plants...well, actually, I got some of those "drop in and forget" Aponogeton hybrids from Wal-Mart. Reading some of the other threads on the subject, I figured that I would just drop them in, but they apparently look like fish food to "Mo," my Betta, and his four Cory friends. Will this damage the bulbs if they pick at them briefly (until it's actually feeding time), or can I just leave the Aponogeton hybrids to grow? Your replies will be much appreciated!

~Matthew

[Raithan Ellis]

My SAEs would go over the bulbs, then a week or so after they were done my Amano shrimp went to town on the husk or whatever the shell is. Never had a problem with them eating the plant, I think it's just something that attracts them to the surface of the bulb.

[Robert H]

Bettas are meat eaters, and its unlikely any fish would do any damage to the bulbs. The bulbs should be planted in your gravel so they can form roots. How successfull the plants do will depend on how much light you have and if you fed the plants. If your light is less than 2 watts per gallon and you don't feed them, the plants will only grow until they use up the nutrients stored in the tubers and will probably only grow a few inches. Under proper light and feeding, the leaves will reach up to two feet long and it will send up a flower spike to the water surface.

Walmart bulbs are usually Aponogeton crispus, ulvaceus or natans