Can I cover runners w/gravel?

Matak

Matak

Out of the blue!
Jun 18, 2002
1,133
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Near Toronto
I have these plants that are mostly stalk with beautiful leaves that spread aggressively by runners that spread on the top of the substrate . They are native to southern Ontario and I found it in a swampy pond.

What I would like to know is, can I cover these plants runners with up to 1½" of a fine gravel/flourite/laterite mix? These plants have very deep (3+") roots and there is no chace of simply lifting the plants to higher ground.
 
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I've never had any problem covering the runners with substrate. I'm not familiar with the plant you're talking about, but I can't imagine that it would harm them in any way.
Matak, you might want to quarantine those plants, or at least sterilize them before adding them to your tank. "Swampy Pond" sounds like it might contribute something unwanted to your tank.
Len
 
Thanx for the info and the "heads up" on the swamp plants. I put them (& two other species) in my tank last fall, but I bleached them all before adding them to my tank. I also let them grow for about two months before adding two fish, to test for parasites etc. It has now been six months and all is well. I someday hope to have pictures to show.:cool:
 
IMO... Covering 'runners' looks much better, and may help the plant too.. :)
 
Joe, Len: that is great news. I was concerned that I would somehow be smothering the plant, like when you cover the crown on some plants.

FASTRAKR: Sorry, no camera, but I will be in Guelph Thursday. If you want a few plants w/roots, I will make arrangements to meet you.
 
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It sounds like you recently collected these - were you ice fishing?

Anyway its true you have to be very careful about introducing wild parasites and pathogens. I'd wash well and quantine with some test/feeder fish.

My experience with most aquatic plants collected from southern Ontario is that they like cooler temperatures than tropical fish do. Many just "fall apart" under the heat. Good luck though. Things that look like vals tend to do far better than the bunch plant end of the spectrum. Rhizomes/lillies I never tried but might be successful seeing as they grow in shallow still waters that tend to warm nicely under the sun.

Gumby
 
Gumby: (Pokey?) Iv'e had these in my tank since October and they are thrivng, but thanks for your concern. :)

I really do need to get me a digi-cam. When I do I can finally post the pics so I can get it properly ID'd.
 
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