Which Vals?

[Hebily]

So, I want to get some vallisneria for my 50 gal tank. My intention is that they will grow tall enough to have the ends 'float' and provide a covered area in the tank. The tank is about 20" tall, and about 18" wide, so I would want something that will grow to between 30" and 40". Of course the upper end is ideal, if it gets too tall I can trim it; it needs to get to at least 30".

My question is: Which type of vals should I get?

 

[gmh]

Jungle Val will get to that size for you. It may be overwhelming in a tank that size however. The leaves are quite a bit thicker and broader than other vals.

 

[Hebily]

How broad would you say? Also, does it have a max height?

 

[customdrum]

there about 1" wide and can get 40"+
you can use

jungle val
red jungle vals
contortion vals

 

[snoopy65]

Giant vals are another option. My giant vals are at about 5' long.

 

[Hebily]

Jungle vals sound great. I read somewhere just now that you can't trim the ends of the leaves, or they will die. Is this true? Also, how quickly will they grow longer?

 

[mgarrido]

Giant vals are another option. My giant vals are at about 5' long.

+1, i love that kind of vals

 

[Hebily]

lol... 5' would go up one side of the tank, down the whole length of it, and prolly a little down the other side....

 

[gmh]

My jungle val leaves are about a half inch wide. I give it a weekly haircut and the leaves keep on growing. They grow a few inches a week under 2.1 watts per gallon of lighting.

 

[snoopy65]

I am not sure about the Jungle Val as I have never had it, but the giants you can trim. I trim mine at an angle so it doesn't look so obvious that it has been cut. The leaf stays fine.