Andys HC propagator step by step

[Jaap]

Can I use an old tank as a propagator? A few cm of water in an old tank with containers to accommodate the plants and then cover with clean film.

I did this before but the plants melted the next day, however, I believe this was due to exposure to direct strong sunlight for an hour or so....could that have been the reason for the plants melting?

 

[foxfish]

Yes you can, a piece of glass works better than cling film as you get much more condensation dripping down & you can vent the tank if necessary.
Plants straight out of a water filled tank wont always take, plants that have been grown out of water don't have to adapt & are generally fine.
Just keep the soil wet, don't have sitting water.

 

[james mclachlan]

Hi
Hey Andy just wondering when you have grown it in the propagator how do you transfer to aquarium or nano cube

 

[Andy Thurston]

Both did fairly well no melting with either species that i've tried
Just plant them like any other plant you buy

 

[ricky smith]

got to give it a go lovely

 

[RossMartin]

Hi All,

I assume it is ok to use a desk lamp to provide the light to a propergator? I can put mine on a window ledge, however it doesn't get too much light?

Thanks in advance

Ross

 

[foxfish]

Yes, but - you can use a lot of light without problems, the best growth for me is during the summer when there is often 18 hours of natural light.
The only time I have had issues was during the winter using a weak LED deck lamp, quite a bit of mould appeared but when I switched to a much more powerful light, the fungus disappeared & the plants shot up.
I have a small set up on my south facing window sill at the moment with a 9w LED, things are growing but slowly....

 

[parotet]

Yes, but - you can use a lot of light without problems, the best growth for me is during the summer when there is often 18 hours of natural light.
The only time I have had issues was during the winter using a weak LED deck lamp, quite a bit of mould appeared but when I switched to a much more powerful light, the fungus disappeared & the plants shot up.
I have a small set up on my south facing window sill at the moment with a 9w LED, things are growing but slowly....

I agree with Foxfish, nothing like the summer for my propagator that is in the terrace the whole year. Now in winter when I want to grow something in particular I just use my imagination...

No need to spend more energy, there's plenty of light diffused out of your tank

Jordi

 

[RossMartin]

Thanks guys!

I've got a desk lamp with a 50w GU10 bulb that i will use. I'm trying to get some plant cultivated for a dry start tank i want to start in Feb. Unfortunately she who must be obeyed wouldn't like your idea Jordi, however it is a great idea!

Cheers

Ross

 

[foxfish]

A 50 w halogen will produce loads of light but also heat! so be carful not to put to close to any plastic.

 

[RossMartin]

Yeah i did think that, i might get a less powerful bulb just in case!

 

[Trebor127]

What bulb and fixture would you recommend? Was thinking http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B004J4GMD2/ref=pd_aw_sim_light_4?refRID=1WKNPA9F9CYKHG24X2YB and http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00...k+lamp+e27&dpPl=1&dpID=51DwG6dhu3L&ref=plSrch

 

[EnderUK]

I stick mine on my window sill, free light, though growth over winter has been slow as it's not heated.

 

[Greenfinger2]

Hi Andy, Another great journal
How are things going ?

 

[Andy Thurston]

the amania bonsai flowered and died unfortunately but just in time to have a go with some rotala wallichi
not really a journal. I just wanted to inspire and show people what can be done. with a little experimenting with different species.
have you found the show us your propagator thread yet its kind of a follow on from this one

 

[Greenfinger2]

the amania bonsai flowered and died unfortunately but just in time to have a go with some rotala wallichi
not really a journal. I just wanted to inspire and show people what can be done. with a little experimenting with different species.
have you found the show us your propagator thread yet its kind of a follow on from this one

Hi Andy, Still playing catch up. Post a link please. This is inspiring me to do more

 

[Andy Thurston]

http://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/show-us-your-propagator.33679/

 

[Greenfinger2]

Thank you

 

[GotCrabs]

Great growth, just shows how easy it can be doesn't it, I have two small take away containers sitting outside filled with HC, it was more of a 'Can I' project, but it's going well so once it's at a stage I like, I'll end up using it elsewhere.

 

[G H Nelson]

the amania bonsai flowered and died unfortunately but just in time to have a go with some rotala wallichi
not really a journal. I just wanted to inspire and show people what can be done. with a little experimenting with different species.
have you found the show us your propagator thread yet its kind of a follow on from this one

Mine are still going Andy!
On the window sill in 20cm glass Do Aqua! cube....which has a perspex lid!
No artificial light! The Monte Carlo looks a tad ropey shall remove that next week or cut it right back!
Cheers
hoggie