Aponogeton crispus doesn't look so good...

severum mama

severum mama

is a big bowl of wrong.
Dec 30, 2006
2,177
0
0
45
North GA
Hey all, I bought an aponogeton crispus 2 weeks ago and put it into my 45 gallon. Now, I'm not that great with plants really, and I get by mostly on pure dumb luck, so when I was told that it could grow in my tank I went ahead and bought it. The tank is 45 gallons, 36"Lx12"Wx24"H, and it has an AGA NO twin tube flourescent w/aluminum reflector, 2x25W. I know that isn't much but it is the best I can do right now. I'm growing vals, anubias, crypts, and hygro with no issues. The tank has pool filter sand as substrate- again, I know this isn't ideal, but after all that moving around, combining, and tearing down I did with my tanks that weekend, I was NOT in the mood for a substrate change! My lighting is low so I do not use CO2 or ferts.

My problem is that the apon just doesn't look all that great. The leaves look transparent, and they aren't really very green. I wouldn't say that the plant looks like it is dying, but it doesn't look as though it is thriving, either. Is there something I can do for it, or do I just not have enough light, period? Or, is it similar to crypts in that it hates being moved, and will recover eventually? Thanks.
 
It's like crypts mama, they don't like being moved either. Just give it time and see how it does. Trim the dead leaves so they don't pollute the tank. :)
 
Yes, I did that yesterday along with a large water change. I'm glad to hear you say that, I really think it will look great in the tank if I can get it to grow. If not I can always try it in the discus tank (55 gallons, eco substrate, 130W PC lighting). Do you think the sand will be a problem?
 
I don't see why sand would be a problem, gravel would probably give you more trouble. Apons like nutrients provided through their roots like crypts though. Do you use root tabs for your crypts in that tank?
 
Nope, and the crypts are looking great. I pulled them out of my discus tank and put them in the 45 on Memorial Day. The tank was purchased as an upgrade in Oct. or Nov. and has been running ever since, but was moved and switched to a planted tank on Memorial Day. Established XP1 was switched over with it, and Aquaclear 300 was added (flow is turned down all the way on the AC). Ok, now I feel like I've given all info possible (probably too much, lol)!
 
Then I guess all that's left to do is wait and see. :) Hope they turn out ok. :grinyes:
 
Almost any apono I've had has exhibited a "meltdown", like crypts. In fact, my crypts have never had one, though every apono I own has, at some point, given up the ghost for a couple days or so.

They'll come back. You could always hack off everything that doesn't look so good; that should promote increase in growth.
 
webcricket said:
Aponogetons do go dormant, it's always a possibility this is what it is doing.
Click to expand...

Not this type of apongeton. It doesn't need a period of dormancy in the aquarium.

A. crispus is generally found in ponds that are only filled with water in the rainy season, but it does not need a dormant period in the aquarium.
http://www.tropica.com/productcard_1.asp?id=083

In the aquarium

Aponogeton crispus is a good choice if you have small herbivorous fish in your aquarium since it copes will with nibbling. Aponogeton crispus will also survive moderate snail attacks,can tolerate a wide range of different water conditions and is not very light demanding. The recommended water temperature is 20-30 degrees C. Most other Aponogeton species need regular resting periods, but not this one.
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/plants/cripus.php

A. crispus is perhaps one of the Aponogeton species best suited for the average home aquarist because unlike many other in its genus, A. crispus does not need to undergo a dormant period in the aquarium. In the wild, this plant is only fully underwater during the rainy season and so it has a cyclical life. During the dry periods, the plant is dormant.
http://www.myfishtank.net/reviews/showproduct.php/product/192/sort/7/cat/21/page/1
 
Almost any apono I've had has exhibited a "meltdown", like crypts. In fact, my crypts have never had one, though every apono I own has
Click to expand...
Ha, my crypts have never melted down either, and they have been moved on several occasions! That makes me feel better though, hopefully it will bounce back soon.

Not this type of apongeton. It doesn't need a period of dormancy in the aquarium.
Click to expand...
Cool... but I hear that a lot of the apons you see at the LFS are actually hybrids, I wonder if that has anything to do with it? I wouldn't know a hybrid from a crispus from a whatever!
 
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