Val- care

[briggadane]

Ok, I purchased 2 vals a few weeks ago. I put them in my 75G. They were about 3/4 the height of it. Now they have leaves about 8" longer than the top of the water(if held straight up). They even appear to have rooted and now have shoots. I like the shoots, but the original plants seem to be much larger than I bargained for. What I really am asking, is what is the value/worth of a val? Are they as easy to propagate as I am finding? Is it me or the tank? Is it an accident, or just good "tank keeping"? Would I do best to keep the root system going and let others have some of the plants? Can I keep the shoots and off load the parent plants(will the shoots grow and replenish as the poarents did?).
Thanks!

 

[jaysen]

Ok, I purchased 2 vals a few weeks ago. I put them in my 75G. They were about 3/4 the height of it. Now they have leaves about 8" longer than the top of the water(if held straight up). They even appear to have rooted and now have shoots. I like the shoots, but the original plants seem to be much larger than I bargained for. What I really am asking, is what is the value/worth of a val? Are they as easy to propagate as I am finding? Is it me or the tank? Is it an accident, or just good "tank keeping"? Would I do best to keep the root system going and let others have some of the plants? Can I keep the shoots and off load the parent plants(will the shoots grow and replenish as the poarents did?).
Thanks!

you can see the value of different vals in the classifieds. what kind of val is it? show some pictures. giant val is too much for most aquariums unlike corkscrew and jungle val. they are good growers in general and once established, dont stop growing. shoots grow new plants and i seperate them from the parent once the new plants reach about 4 inches, though you dont have to seperate them at all.

 

[satanpie]

wow, how are you getting them to grow so well, i guess 79 watts an no co2 isnt cutting it

 

[Plecosterone]

Given the right conditions you will be taking quite a few a week out of the tank to stop them from overtaking everything. Yes, they are very easy to propagate as you are finding out.

 

[Cory Keeper]

I gave a member essentially 17 in one transaction they can overun the tank if your not careful.

 

[Joetee]

If you want them shorter, you can cut off the top in an angle near the top of the tank so they don't block all your light, not straight across. They still will show damage signs but not as bad.
Correct me if I am wrong but from what I understand, Vals don't like Excel to much. So be careful there.

I just cut the runner between the plants and replant or replace as necessary when they, like said, are about 4 inches tall.

Joetee

 

[briggadane]

I dont use any chemicals or fertalizer. This is just happening. Its a huge plant. An inch wide and at least 2 1/2 feet long now. The tank is in direct light at a window facing east. The vals are to the side, so they actually get a light of reflected light, but not direct, where they are at. If I keep the hight trimmed down, will they send off more shoots? I would love to let people have these. My mollies and discus love playing in them.

 

[midiamin]

Ok, I purchased 2 vals a few weeks ago. I put them in my 75G. They were about 3/4 the height of it. Now they have leaves about 8" longer than the top of the water(if held straight up). They even appear to have rooted and now have shoots. I like the shoots, but the original plants seem to be much larger than I bargained for. What I really am asking, is what is the value/worth of a val? Are they as easy to propagate as I am finding? Is it me or the tank? Is it an accident, or just good "tank keeping"? Would I do best to keep the root system going and let others have some of the plants? Can I keep the shoots and off load the parent plants(will the shoots grow and replenish as the poarents did?).
Thanks!

Obviously your vals are very happy in your tank. that's a good thing. When they get too long you can clip the leaves. Whether you sell parents or plantlets you will still see the growth. just make sure your val roots are mature if you decide to split them off of the parent.

 

[jones57742]

What I really am asking, is what is the value/worth of a val?

Virtually nothing.

Are they as easy to propagate as I am finding?

No.

Is it me or the tank? Is it an accident, or just good "tank keeping"?

Who knows!

Would I do best to keep the root system going and let others have some of the plants? Can I keep the shoots and off load the parent plants(will the shoots grow and replenish as the poarents did?).

Just a WAG but let the parents grow for a couple of years and give away the shoots.
Then let the shoots grow (I believe that they will extend like 6" or more from the parents) and give away the parents.

TR