I have occasionally observed problems with nutrient deficiencies in riparium plants that lead to poor overall plant health and less than optimal visual appearances. Chlorosis and leggy growth are especially unattractive. The method that I have most frequently used to fertilize riparium plants is to drip liquid fertilizer solutions directly onto the surface of the planter gravel, but this highly soluble form of fertilizer is likely to be used quickly by the plant and diffuse into the open aquarium water. It is probably best to dose liquid ferts at least once per week and perhaps more often.
I recently started to experiment with the use of mineralized topsoil (MTS) in riparium planter cups. I hope that the use of MTS can serve the following objectives:
A major expected advantage of the mineralized topsoil is that it should maintain a long-term, slow-release nutrient source for the plants. It also might provide a broader range of nutrients than are easily provided in liquid fertilizers doses.
The following picture shows the material that I used. I acquired this MTS in trade form another hobbyist:
Proceeding through the steps of planting that I used, the next photograph featres the planter cup with the basic substrates, but only 1/2 full: it still requires the rooted plants and a cap of planter gravel. On the bottom is a layer of Hydroton clay pebbles. These are topped with planter gravel filled to about 1/3 of the depth of the cup. Lastly, a shallow layer of mineralized topsoil was added on top of the planter gravel. I only added one & one-half tablespoons minerallized topsoil:
If you look closely you can see that the MTS layer is below] the level of the suction cup keyholes in the back of the planter cup. Since it will be covered with another layer of gravel this placement will help to prevent it from washing out through the keyholes.
Here is the plant that I used, a Ludwigia sp.. I think that it is L. repens(?). It forms a pleasing floating carpet if planted in the Hanging Planter, then trained to grow across a Trellis Raft:
This next picture shows the planter with all substrate layers, Trellis Raft and plant.
The thick top and bottom layers of planter gravel should prevent the mineralized topsoil from washing into the aquarium. It will be even more tightly held inside the planter cup as the plant roots begin to form.
I recently started to experiment with the use of mineralized topsoil (MTS) in riparium planter cups. I hope that the use of MTS can serve the following objectives:
- more attractive foliage
- increased blooming
- less demanding fertilization regimes
A major expected advantage of the mineralized topsoil is that it should maintain a long-term, slow-release nutrient source for the plants. It also might provide a broader range of nutrients than are easily provided in liquid fertilizers doses.
The following picture shows the material that I used. I acquired this MTS in trade form another hobbyist:
Proceeding through the steps of planting that I used, the next photograph featres the planter cup with the basic substrates, but only 1/2 full: it still requires the rooted plants and a cap of planter gravel. On the bottom is a layer of Hydroton clay pebbles. These are topped with planter gravel filled to about 1/3 of the depth of the cup. Lastly, a shallow layer of mineralized topsoil was added on top of the planter gravel. I only added one & one-half tablespoons minerallized topsoil:
If you look closely you can see that the MTS layer is below] the level of the suction cup keyholes in the back of the planter cup. Since it will be covered with another layer of gravel this placement will help to prevent it from washing out through the keyholes.
Here is the plant that I used, a Ludwigia sp.. I think that it is L. repens(?). It forms a pleasing floating carpet if planted in the Hanging Planter, then trained to grow across a Trellis Raft:
This next picture shows the planter with all substrate layers, Trellis Raft and plant.
The thick top and bottom layers of planter gravel should prevent the mineralized topsoil from washing into the aquarium. It will be even more tightly held inside the planter cup as the plant roots begin to form.
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