Point to ponder

[Swimfins]

Awhile back, an old aquarist whom I met at my LFS when I was just starting out, dropped by to visit my 66g planted tank (I was so proud).
His wife said "how lovely!" He anwered "Do you know most of those plants you have in there are weeds that choke our water ways, and cause millions of dollars in losses of fish and wildlife habitats? To think you've spent all that money...on weeds. (chuckling) Aquariums are for fish!"

Oh never mind, my royal pleco ate it all anyway. :thud:

 

[PurpleSmurf]

So we should release Royal Plecs into the overgrown water ways?

Good point though.

 

[Swimfins]

LOL nope, I think his point was regarding the money I invested in my planted tank. Most are, in fact, weeds. I discovered myrophilium (quite expensive for a bunch at my LFS) is a noxious weed in some areas. Go figger...

 

[pl*co]

Awhile back, an old aquarist whom I met at my LFS when I was just starting out, dropped by to visit my 66g planted tank (I was so proud).
His wife said "how lovely!" He anwered "Do you know most of those plants you have in there are weeds that choke our water ways, and cause millions of dollars in losses of fish and wildlife habitats? To think you've spent all that money...on weeds. (chuckling) Aquariums are for fish!"

Oh never mind, my royal pleco ate it all anyway. :thud:

Just so we don't toss our plants out in the waterways. Makes ya wonder if a little more education on our part is required... weeds you say! HA! :

 

[ashdavid]

In some places considered weeds, and in some places considered essential to the surrounding enviroment.

 

[Swimfins]

Water hyacinth, that oh so pretty pond plant is an invasive species. I've noticed that some online suppliers give warnings that some plants can't be sent to California residents, I assume its because they're invasive.

Ashdavid:Of course the plants are vital to the ecosystem where they originate from, but can choke out native species and cause an ecological imbalance as well. I was surprised to read that so many that we try to cultivate so carefully with fertilizers and proper lighting in our planted tanks are in fact, considered weeds where they origionate!

I guess its kind of like purple loosestrife that grows wild here. Its illegal to be sold in nurseries, doesn't matter, there's plenty in ditches along the highway if you need some lol.

 

[Kissofthegorami]

Every plant is a weed if its not where it is wanted. If I lived in brazil, sword plants would be a weed but in Boston, it is an exotic plant that must be nurtured in a replicated environment. Most wildflowers and herbs and many perenials are weeds but people go and buy the seeds and plants. Someone could look at an english formal garden and denounce it as "weeds". Growing a plant outside is much easier than replicating conditions inside. Plants are over priced in pet stores but the benefit and beauty of real plants on an aquarium environment is well worth the effort i think. Also the arrangement and selesction of the plants is somewhat of an artform. I would think more of someone who could realize the beuty in something others might not apreciate than someone who denounces it as a mere weed.

 

[ashdavid]

Water hyacinth, that oh so pretty pond plant is an invasive species. I've noticed that some online suppliers give warnings that some plants can't be sent to California residents, I assume its because they're invasive.

Ashdavid:Of course the plants are vital to the ecosystem where they originate from, but can choke out native species and cause an ecological imbalance as well. I was surprised to read that so many that we try to cultivate so carefully with fertilizers and proper lighting in our planted tanks are in fact, considered weeds where they origionate!

I guess its kind of like purple loosestrife that grows wild here. Its illegal to be sold in nurseries, doesn't matter, there's plenty in ditches along the highway if you need some lol.

Whoops, that come across a little harsh, I didn't mean it like that I was just stating the obvious. Sorry :sad:

 

[Blinky]

I've been laughing about this since I bought my first live plant - Hygrophila polysperma, a VERY invasive plant in some areas of the world. I bought two bunches, afraid I wouldn't have enough for my 65g, and within a month I couldn't see into the tank!
It's amazing how plants can be a horrid pest in one area, and so sought after in another. If only we could import plants taken from those choked-out waterways instead of from huge farms in Europe, maybe everyone could be happy at once

 

[Stix87]

maybe those huge farms in europe should get their plants already grown from those crowded water ways