Weird above substrate roots on Cabomba caroliniana?

[thefirethief]

From about the first week since planting on I noticed a lot of "root" like growths coming from mid way up the plant. Its not really a problem, just looks very messy and out of control now. Just wondering if there is any reason, as Ive never seen it in photos or other specimens in the LFS's. The Cabomba have been growing at a ridiculous rate and Im trimming a good 6 to 8 inches every fortnight.

Heres some photos I took myself........

 

[Lauren]

cabomba does do that, but normally not that much. I only have a few strands per stem far down on the plant. I can't tell you why, maybe insufficent lighting?

 

[geekrockgirl85]

it just sounds like your cabomba is doing really, really well. worry not.

 

[thefirethief]

Thanks for the help!

I really wanted something pretty simple and hardy, but with the wealth of information available and not very many set in stone answers I figured experience would be the best way of learning. If my calculations are correct, Ive got about 1.2WPG of light spread over 2 and a half square foot of water (2 x 20W tubes in a 35G tank).

As for the the spectrum my two flourescents cover, its the hagen sun-glo (4'200K) and hagen aqua-glo (18'000K) I have. Any recommendations on which range I spectrum range would be best to promote plant growth and intensify the my wee fish colours?

I also use a CO2 Injection system, liquid fertilizer and plant feeding sticks through the substrate.



Does this all seem workable?

 

[Lauren]

I'd worry about getting more light than the right spectrum, 1.2 wpg really isn't enough light for plants to do really well