View Full Version : typing outloud-- plant plans
Lauren
03-10-2006, 1:45 AM
My 45 gallon had a lot more plant diversity, until I let everything grow and this one took over (I'm forgetting the name, picture for id)
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/silverbeam/rasboras1.jpg
The red background plant, reaches the top and grows fast.
Everything is doing really well, but all of the other background and midground plants got choked out. This picture is about a year old, but this is what I'm working with. water column is about 20 inches:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/silverbeam/45g.jpg
of course, the red plant is still there, currently occupying the full back wall, I'd like to cut it back to just the sides. The java fern has really taken off on the wood. Both crypts are doing very well. And that is is.
I'm planning on adding some: micro sword and red tiger lotus. I'm thinking about a few more wendtii crypts as well. I think I'm going to get an aponogeton undulatus for the midground behind the drift wood.
I think I would still like another plant in the back, should I just try that crypt in the picture again? maybe some pennywort? what about spatterdock? Just let the tiger lotus and aponogeton steal attention from the taller background plant?
any ideas?
Just to say it, I like your aquarium the way it is. That being said I also realize it's hard not to tinker. Red background plant looks a lot like rotala rotundifolia (possibly indica). Unfortunately last I checked it was on the CDFA lists of noxious weeds with a 'C' rating. Essentially not supposed to be shipped in Ca without permits and don't get caught stuffing it down stormdrains I think. Hard to figure out what the CDFA ratings actually mean.
Lauren
03-10-2006, 2:49 AM
Yes, that's what it is, it is rotala. I got it over a year ago, so maybe the laws have changed. I tend to flush the cuttings, and with how this thing grows, I understand the concern, I'll start throwing it in the trash instead. Thanks for the ID, and the kind words towards my set up. I'll get new pictures this or next week, I just drew this little chart up to brainstrom:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/silverbeam/tankplants.jpg
I would like to try and stagger the lotus if possible, start it is a forground and then let it grow tall until it disappears into the background plant that will be behind it. Sort of like leave stepping stones, if I can do it.
Should be an interesting layout when your done with the tank. I have bought all my plants on ebay and I don't think too many people are concerned with the various shipping laws and plants. Couple years back I bought some crypts and java fern and the person threw in some asian ambulia. Now that's one plant that's on the CDFA quarantine list. If I'm remembering right it was down in San Diego that that stuff was let into a waterway and pretty much started to take over.
Lauren
03-10-2006, 1:55 PM
I'll make sure to not flush my clippings any more. I never really thought about it, I bet most people don't. I think in the middle rear (4) I'll go with a crypt, probably winditii to compliment the crypts in the front. Then, I dont' know for 3, I'm still thinking maybe pennywort? I'd like to order on monday, so any suggestions would be appreciated! Critisism of my setup is also welcomed.
your plants are too healthy JEEZ
your fish are too pretty
(hey tou said you wanted critisism) ;)
Lauren
03-10-2006, 2:06 PM
your plants are too healthy JEEZ
your fish are too pretty
(hey tou said you wanted critisism) ;)
:laugh: just wait until you see them after I take pictures with the Rebel XT I'm getting.
TetraFreak
03-10-2006, 2:21 PM
Perhaps some Anachairis?
A Wall of Anachairis would be a good backdrop as well as hide the filter tube/heater in the back. It will also set off the red in the Rotala quite nicely.
Lauren
03-10-2006, 5:04 PM
I'm not a big fan of elodea, it's too invasive. But thanks for the suggestion!
TetraFreak
03-10-2006, 6:27 PM
There's always some other hearty green algae preventing planys. Perhaps a wall of Wisteria or Foxtail?
justintoxicated
03-10-2006, 8:56 PM
nice tank, im not having any luck with my micro sword, it grows only fast enough to not dye off...
It's the first one of my plants to get beard algae should I get an outbrake. I thought it woudl grow faster...Maybe I am doing something wrong.
I like your tank the way it is though! I have wisteria in the back of mine, only problem is that it wants to go imeadiatly under the light and will twist bend and grow to do so.
new2tanks
03-10-2006, 9:48 PM
lauren, what are those fish u have in there?
are they rasboras? im a newbie so forgive my ignorance.
Lauren
03-10-2006, 10:24 PM
Yes, they are rasboras. I have 9 of them. The pictures are so out of date it's not even funny. I need my new camera!
Lauren
03-11-2006, 2:49 AM
alright, I think this is the shopping list for monday:
red tiger lotus (will 1 be enough?)
1/2 foot of micro sword
1 bunch of green cabomba (for space #3, because I like how the leaves look behind the lotus)
1 wendtii crypt (space #3)
2-3 small crypt (I don't know which yet, I'd like some with more of a bronze leaf to it)
I think that should make my tank just about perfect. :)