My First Real Plant...What Now?

T

twodaend

AC Members
Jun 28, 2006
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Alsip, IL
I got 2 bunches of Hornwort (petsmart) based on recommendations for my community tank with live breeders. I was told this would help some of the fry survive as this would be a place for them to hide. I was wondering what do I need to do to ensure that the plant survives.

Do I need to buy some plant food or anything special for the plant? The only light I have is the standard 4' strip lights as I was told this plant does not need special light. So for, the only thing I did was remove the metal clip, shake the plant in a bucket of tank water, similar to what you do for your bio media. I was glad I did as a lot of stuff came off of the plant. Now most of it is floating, while some of it is floating in the middle of the tank rather than at the top. Not sure why.
 
IMO you should find out what you need to do before buying your first real plant. Try the search function....also check sites like www.rexgrigg.com
You do far better in having everything you need and an understanding of requirements before buying the plant and scurrying to find out how to keep it alive.
 
Hornwort just grows like a weed. It sometimes doesn't like other plants and disintegrates, but usually there's no problem with growing hornwort. Just use a little bit of liquid fertilizer once in a while in order to supply some trace elements.
 
what does ime, and imo mean?? i read them all the time.
 
ime -- in my experiance...... imo ---- in my opinion
 
i have lots and i love it!!!! it doesnt float only at the top!!! it is normal for it to hang down...what i did is i made my own plant weight with some plastic wrap 'food grade stuff' and put some extra gravel i had in to it!!!! tied that shut with fishing line and tied a bit of hornwort on too that and it looks GREAT!!!!!!


good luck!!!!!!

edit: i put the weight under the gravel so i dont have to look at it all the time!!! i forget that it is tied down some times!!!!! :) LOL
 
Hornwort is pretty undemanding. u might have to prune it (pull parts off) let it float or attach it via fishing line to something. it tolerates low light, no real special ferts (go light on liquid ferts), no co2 system. Also to protect ur fry with ur set up u can try java moss. it floats but can retain some food debris. same requirements as hornwort.
 
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