typing outloud-- plant plans

Lauren

Lauren

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Aug 9, 2003
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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)
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:
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.
 
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:

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.
 
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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.
 
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.
 
kyle3 said:
your plants are too healthy JEEZ

your fish are too pretty

(hey tou said you wanted critisism) ;)
Click to expand...
:laugh: just wait until you see them after I take pictures with the Rebel XT I'm getting.
 
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.
 
I'm not a big fan of elodea, it's too invasive. But thanks for the suggestion!
 
There's always some other hearty green algae preventing planys. Perhaps a wall of Wisteria or Foxtail?
 
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