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  1. George Farmer

    What is "Carpet Seed"???

    I've no experience of growing plants from seed! (Well, aquatic plants...)
  2. George Farmer

    Airial Roots

    Which species of Rotala is it?
  3. George Farmer

    Airial Roots

    Try dosing more nutrients. There's a theory that roots are being sent out in search of more food because not enough is getting through the leaves alone.
  4. George Farmer

    Plants that take to wood.

    Most plants can be grafted to wood. I'm doing it with Staurogyne repens at the moment. I've seen HC, crypts, Hygrophila. I reckon almost any plant can, providing there's good water column nutrients. Hydrocotyle tripartia will work. It's a fast grower though.
  5. George Farmer

    British River Biotope

    Sounds great! :)
  6. George Farmer

    Anyone know the type?

    Hello. It's Echindorus bleheri. I don't see black marks but I doubt it's excess nutrients. Excess nutrients aren't an issue for plants as they store them. Lack of nutrients is more an issue. Cheers, George
  7. George Farmer

    Off brand vs branded plants... Differences?

    Hi Jamie, Good question. Rather than branded vs unbranded I think it's probably more useful to look at where the plants come from and what condition they're in, how long they've been stored, and under what conditions. Whether a plant is branded or not does not matter if the plant isn't...
  8. George Farmer

    Moss question - Tropica Fontinalis Sp. Willow

    I wonder if it would attach using the yoghurt-blender method?
  9. George Farmer

    Bucephalandra

    Very nice. They compliment your lovely crypts beautifully. :)
  10. George Farmer

    Hydrocotyle tripartita sp Japan

    It's a weed that will grow anywhere in the right conditions. Good luck!
  11. George Farmer

    Glossostigma growing up despite over 1.5 watts per liter?!

    Indeed. 2 x 24W PC T5 over 30 litres is a lot of light. I'd go for 1 x 24w - still plenty for glosso given other conditions are ideal.
  12. George Farmer

    Glossostigma growing up despite over 1.5 watts per liter?!

    How have you planted the glosso? If you've planted clumps then prune them into individual plantlets, and re-plant. It's a common myth that leggy growth is down to poor lighting. If CO2, other nutrients and circulation are good, then glosso will carpet in relatively low lighting. IME if...
  13. George Farmer

    The answer to redder plants?

    Interesting - thanks for posting. I think different species react very differently too. So I doubt they'll be a one-stop solution for all red plants.
  14. George Farmer

    Hairgrass and amano shrimp

    Like Tom says, 2-3cm is fine. It's a really hardy plant in my experience, and will take soon enough given appropriate conditions.
  15. George Farmer

    Hairgrass and amano shrimp

    Can you plant it deeper into the substrate? I've never had an issue with hairgrass - only more delicate stuff like single plantlets of HC and glosso where the roots can't penetrate the substrate so much.
  16. George Farmer

    First trim

    Hi mate Some details about your set-up would be nice, so we can tailor the advice accordingly. :) I'll assume it's relatively high-energy by your plant selection... It's usually best to leave the first trim for at least a couple of weeks - much longer if you're not injecting CO2. This...
  17. George Farmer

    Plants pearling

    Pearling just means more time in Photoshop getting rid of white spots for aquascaping contests!! LOL
  18. George Farmer

    ID

    Looks like a mixture of Staurogyne repens and H. tripartita on the left. Do you have a link to the original image source?
  19. George Farmer

    where to buy 1-2 grow and in vitro plants

    1-2-Grow are the best plants I've used in terms of their ease of transition to underwater life and consequent fast grow rates in the initial weeks. They also represent good value for money; sure the physical mass may be smaller but the quantity of individual plants is far greater than regular...
  20. George Farmer

    where to buy 1-2 grow and in vitro plants

    Freshwater Shrimp, UKAPS Sponsor.
  21. George Farmer

    Trimming and cleanup?

    Sounds good to me. I always perform a water change after a pruning session too. Using a small diameter hose you can siphon any sunken moss off-cuts. It's also a good idea to vacuum any detritus that's building up amongst carpets and the substrate in general. Cleanliness is next to godliness for...
  22. George Farmer

    Nomaphila stricta

    It's another name for Hygrophila corymbosa 'stricta'. Easy and fast growing, big bright green leaves. Grows quite chaotically so nice for jungle style aquascaping.
  23. George Farmer

    Smallest Nymphaea species for aquarium use?

    Hi Steve If you can find Nymphaea micrantha it's a beautiful little lily that rarely grows over 15cm. The leaves are stunning; crimson red with green mottled effect. Good link here - Nymphaea micrantha – Plantlets-- Guitarfish The only time I've had it was from a supplier that imported from...
  24. George Farmer

    Tropica 1-2 Grow!

    Best plants I've used so far. Super healthy, no risk of any algae, snails or pesticides, great value as there's so many (small) plants. I wish all species were available this way! I recently set up a 90x45x45 using 1-2-Grow exclusively. The growth in the first 10 days has been remarkable, and...
  25. George Farmer

    Tips on growing moss

    Cooler temps, good circulation, lots of shrimp, appropriate lighting/nutrients, regular pruning, lots of patience... :)
  26. George Farmer

    Keeping Tropica 1-2-Grow pot for a longer period of time

    Hi, Tropica 1-2-Grow plants will last for months in the fridge. :) Your hairgrass will be establishing roots first. It should start carpeting in another couple of weeks.
  27. George Farmer

    which makes the better carpeting plant?

    Depends on how you define "better". Consider how each will fit into the aquascape design. Eleocharis is easier and probably lower maintenance, has a darker green colour and obviously different texture. Some folk have trouble getting HC started but its actually a fast grower once...
  28. George Farmer

    DEFRA ban on invasive species

    Thanks Tom. PFK have also covered it here - Five aquatic plants to be banned in the UK | News | Practical Fishkeeping
  29. George Farmer

    Juncus repens flowers

    Well, I'm more than happy to have a break for a while if it means we get to see exclusive Amano features in PFK! I think I'm allowed to say his first article is released in the July issue and is 10 pages. And it's brand new unpublished content too.
  30. George Farmer

    Juncus repens flowers

    No idea on pH mate. Probably well below 6. I'm not sure how acidic one can go with plants. They seem to be doing ok so far. I imagine it won't be published in PFK for a few months. Amano's articles are coming through soon, and for some strange reason I suspect his features will take priority...
  31. George Farmer

    Juncus repens flowers

    Yes, I have noticed that. But there's so much going getting through it's academic in this particular set-up. Your theory sounds plausible. :)
  32. George Farmer

    Juncus repens flowers

    Thanks. I am photographing it regularly from the same spot so the growth and development should look interesting. One day I want to rig up a proper time lapse system. There's been a video of HC growing but not an entire aquascape. You heard it here first! :D
  33. George Farmer

    Juncus repens flowers

    Thanks for all the comments. :) Unfortunately I'm limited in what I can reveal about the aquascape because it's for a magazine feature, and they like the exclusive. However, I can say I'm trying to grow the plants as fast as possible as I'm stripping it all down in about 4 weeks. I'm using...
  34. George Farmer

    Juncus repens flowers

    Hi all I ordered some Juncus repens from Tropica and they had obviously been grown emersed. They already had some flower spikes forming but over the last couple of days (I only set it up 4 days ago) the flowers have grown a fair bit. I think they look pretty cool. Has anyone else experienced...
  35. George Farmer

    Keeping HC 'Cuba' tidy

    Top tip! Also works with glosso and Hydrocotyle sp. 'Japan'. Saves lots of time and effort!
  36. George Farmer

    Bolbitis Gametophyte Show and Tell

    Re: Bryophyte Show and Tell Interesting! Any idea what species? I really must visit Living Waters. I've only heard great things about it.
  37. George Farmer

    Marine ???

    I'll be setting up a seagrass tank for seahorses early next year. Can't wait!
  38. George Farmer

    Hydro sp Japan

    Split it up into individual plantlets i.e. cut either side of each leaf then plant the fine stem using tweezers. You will get a carpet quickly, even in a low-tech setup.
  39. George Farmer

    Advice on new glosso and HC carpets

    Try an 8hr photoperiod without breaks.
  40. George Farmer

    Bucephalandra

    I have to confess to having never heard of this species until now! I assume you've seen this thread, Tom? - http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.ph ... ra-species I can't see the images on my work computer but look forward to doing some research on these this evening. I will also contact...
  41. George Farmer

    iwagumi inspiration (PICTURES) *Click link at bottom of page

    Re: iwagumi inspiration (PICTURES) viewtopic.php?f=15&t=15832
  42. George Farmer

    Red colouration and restricting nitrates??

    Hi Tomfish There's a lot of anecdotal evidence out there that restricting nitrogen in some plants does induce a redder colouration. Typically this appears to be in plants that are green by 'default' i.e. when grown emerged. Two popular examples include Rotala rotundifolia and Ludwigia...
  43. George Farmer

    Reccurring Crypt melt.....

    I also have anecdotal evidence about lack of Mg, or perhaps Ca, causing melt. I have softwater (RO mix with 20% hard tap) and was dosing either TPN+ or Elos. Crypts (mainly wendtii varieties) would continously melt. I made to the switch to a "Spezial-N" type macro that amongst other N-based...
  44. George Farmer

    Buying: TGM 'exceptional value' vs regular

    Hi guys, Good points raised, thanks. For a good while there was no restriction on Sponsors' posting, but the boundaries between hobby and business became blurred, at the detriment to the overall integrity of the forum. A clear line had to be drawn, unfortunately. However, the UKAPS Rules and...
  45. George Farmer

    Buying: TGM 'exceptional value' vs regular

    Each of our sponsors has their own sub forum where they can advertise their latest deals, have discussions etc. Forum rules mean they cannot post outside their own forum, so any discussion involving a sponsor or one of their products is recommend in their forum, so the sponsor is free to have a...
  46. George Farmer

    Buying: TGM 'exceptional value' vs regular

    Hi Chris Have you asked TGM? Maybe post in their own sponsor's forum. They're probably the most informed about the differences. Also consider phoning or emailing, as they're not so active on UKAPS these days. Cheers, George
  47. George Farmer

    ID this plant please

    Looks like Chlorophytum laxum ‘Bichetii’. Commonly known as a spider plant.
  48. George Farmer

    Java Fern - end of leaves translucent

    That's the Clive I simply adore. Nice one mate.
  49. George Farmer

    Iwagumi using UG

    Hi Luis Utricularia has had lots of discussion on UKAPS. Try a simple search on here. This is a good post too, and follow the thread onwards for more relevant info - viewtopic.php?f=35&t=12095&p=132952#p132971 Cheers, George
  50. George Farmer

    amazon sword in a fluval flora

    Liquid carbon and a decent fertiliser should be fine with lighting levels up to around 1w per litre, so 2 x 11w lamps should be fine, as the volume of the Fluval Flora is around 30 litres. I would dose between 1 and 2ml TPN+ and Easycarbo per day and change at least 50% water per week, more in...
  51. George Farmer

    amazon sword in a fluval flora

    'Rubin' will try to outgrow a Fluval Flora but you could almost 'bonsai' it by continually pruning off the larger leaves. It would make an interesting specimen plant. Also consider smaller swords such as - E. quadricostatus E. 'Vesuvias' E. 'Reni' E. 'Red Diamond' The latter two would make...
  52. George Farmer

    Looking worse for wear

    Brown algae in the initial stages of a planted tank's life is very common. I get it myself sometimes, especially with an immature filter.
  53. George Farmer

    LUDWIGA ARCUATA help

    I think high light and low NO3 in the water column is key. It's one of those species that are 'naturally' green, and turn red if you get the 'right' conditions, like R. rotundafolia and Nesaea pedicellata. The only time I had success with it was when I started the hobby, and I never dosed NO3...
  54. George Farmer

    Glosso Growing Vertical......?

    Looks like a CO2 issue. Are you getting CO2 at the bottom of the tank?
  55. George Farmer

    Just a Quickie. Java fern need filtration ?

    Should be fine.
  56. George Farmer

    hygrophila sp. 'araguaia'

    Any plant is easy for you!
  57. George Farmer

    hygrophila sp. 'araguaia'

    Plant is straight as it is mate, stem by stem. No need to hack it back. If you have appropriate conditions (I'm sure you have) it will adapt with very little or no die-off and the leaves will gradually change shape, colour and texture. Lovely plant, by the way.
  58. George Farmer

    New Tropica plants

    I have Hygrophila sp. 'Araguaia' in my two home tanks at the moment. Great plant. Lovely texture and colour, stays quite low and not too fast either. One to watch out for - I reckon this species could be really trendy!
  59. George Farmer

    Two plants from Aquatics Live anyone identify them?

    Anubias barteri var. nana Pogostemon helferi :)
  60. George Farmer

    Peruvian #biotope?

    Re: What plants for a Peruvian #biotope? Looks great! Nice one, Luis.
  61. George Farmer

    Is this Glosso???

    It's glosso. Separate it into individual plantlets and it will carpet more effectively.
  62. George Farmer

    The real dwarf hairgrass?

    Parvula stays shorter than acicularis. Parvula leaves tend to grow bent and overlap whereas acicularis grows straighter and taller. There are literally hundreds of Eleocharis but the two mentioned are the most readily available.
  63. George Farmer

    Remind me of the newish tiny crypt species?

    Smallest I've used is parva. Green gecko is smaller I believe.
  64. George Farmer

    Another plant ID thread I'm afraid

    I couldn't 100% ID any of those... :oops: Please speak up, Stephan!
  65. George Farmer

    For the Cryptocoryne fans

    The most extensive list I've seen to date. http://www.aquatika.es/crypt-room/cryptroomindex.htm
  66. George Farmer

    What Moss?

    Correct. It's Cladophora aegagropila.
  67. George Farmer

    Bolbitus Advice

    I don't think any plants care what they're attached to. What's more important is the rhizome is exposed to the water column and not buried in substrate etc.
  68. George Farmer

    Bolbitus Advice

    It's a unpredictable plant, that's for sure. I don't think there's any real guaranteed method of keeping it healthy. I've had it growing great in my jungle, but in some areas not so great. In full flow with CO2 bubbles blasted at it, it's not faired so well, and in almost dead-spots with...
  69. George Farmer

    Help - Crypt ID please

    Looks like a variety of Cryptocoryne wendtii.
  70. George Farmer

    Blyxa japonica

    The JBL Manado substrate can be tricky to anchor plants due to its very low density. My advice would be to carefully insert the smallest portions of the plants as possible using thin tweezers. Very carefully remove the tweezers after planting to avoid disturbing the plant and surrounding...
  71. George Farmer

    A list of Foreground grasses... anywhere/anyone?

    That was my original thought, but my understanding was that it stays shorter. I may be wrong though - not the first time and certainly not the last!
  72. George Farmer

    A list of Foreground grasses... anywhere/anyone?

    Looks like Lilaeopsis macloviana to me.
  73. George Farmer

    Mini ferns.

    I have no experience of them personally. If there's the demand though, Tropica will consider producing them.
  74. George Farmer

    How low can you trim stems?

    As low as you like, providing there's light and nutrients getting to them. Obviously the lower you cut, the less light will be reaching them, so the slower they'll recover.
  75. George Farmer

    Pogostemon erectus

    I planted this stem-by-stem to ensure enough light is available, roughly 2cm between stems. It's a beautiful stem plant. Not very "Nature Aquarium" IMO due to its ornamental and very tidy appearance. Suited more to a formal layout I would say. I used it in my 80cm Dutch-style - the stem...
  76. George Farmer

    Temp and Glosso

    24C is fine.
  77. George Farmer

    Guidance on HC "Cuba"

    Looks like you're low on the CO2 and other nutrient dosing. 1ml or 2ml dosing of those products will be adding very little nutrients. I have around 3 bubbles per second in a tank of similar size. Although your bubbles might be a lot bigger!
  78. George Farmer

    Online plant retailers

    There's also Aqua Essentials for a decent range of Aquafleur plants that are similar quality to Tropica.
  79. George Farmer

    plant identification please

    Looks more like Blyxa japonica to me. Aurbertii tends to be larger. Needs good light and nutrients, and takes a while to settle in, but is a great plant. It was a real 'trendy' plant in the UK a couple of years ago! Don't see it so much these days.
  80. George Farmer

    Tropica Vallis Mini Twister - how many in a pot?

    Fair enough mate. Good luck!
  81. George Farmer

    Tropica Vallis Mini Twister - how many in a pot?

    All the vallis I've ever had from Tropica has been supplied in bunches, and not pots. I'm guessing the retailer packed the pot themselves, but I may be wrong. What species of vallis did you get previously? I wonder if this species in question has higher value than your previous order, hence...
  82. George Farmer

    Tenellus with Hydrocotyle?

    If I were you I'd try it all. You'll only need a couple of pots of each, as it's a nano. You'll soon realise what looks best and works for you. Then you can use UKAPS to pass on any excess plants you may end up with! Good luck. :thumbup:
  83. George Farmer

    Cryptocoryne Green Gecko

    Crypts are still my favourite plants, and I imagine always will be. I'm going to start a Facebook group for crypt fans! :lol:
  84. George Farmer

    Cryptocoryne Green Gecko

    I've got a feeling I know what type of 'scape's going to replace my Dutch... Crypt-only baby! :thumbup:
  85. George Farmer

    Cryptocoryne Green Gecko

    Very nice mate. Reminds me of a miniature wendtii 'green', that's a very fresh green in my set ups. Similar leaf shape too. Thanks for sharing! :thumbup:
  86. George Farmer

    Cryptocoryne Green Gecko

    Ah, the beautiful surprise of the Cryptocoryne sp!
  87. George Farmer

    Cryptocoryne Green Gecko

    Me too! :D
  88. George Farmer

    Newbie with freshly planted Glosso

    You may have trouble growing glosso and even cyperus with your given lighting, especially with no CO2 injection and liquid ferts 'every few weeks'. 11w over 25 litres is quite low lighting for these plants, and for them to stand a chance you need really good carbon enrichment, other nutrient...
  89. George Farmer

    Monster Cryptocoryne wendtii?

    That is a monster! I love it! Reminds me of C. undulata 'broad leaf'.
  90. George Farmer

    Monster Cryptocoryne wendtii?

    Apologies for the hijack but do you have any shots please, Matt? Sounds very interesting. :thumbup:
  91. George Farmer

    L. glandulosa - help with crinkled leaves, please

    Cool. Great flow is ideal, of course. In this set-up there's 80% stem plants across 80% of the substrate, so it's more a case of balancing good circulation with not having the plants 'blown' horizontally. Also having enough light to grow the low plants that are naturally shaded by the tall...
  92. George Farmer

    L. glandulosa - help with crinkled leaves, please

    Thanks for your input, clonitza. What influence do you think lowering nutrients has on crinkled leaves? I didn't think it was an issue providing more that the plants' nutrient requirement.
  93. George Farmer

    L. glandulosa - help with crinkled leaves, please

    Thanks mate. And thought this hobby was a really easy! :lol: (Kidding!)
  94. George Farmer

    L. glandulosa - help with crinkled leaves, please

    Weird really. I would have thought if there's insufficient CO2 to support healthy growth due to 'excess' light, then algae would proliferate?
  95. George Farmer

    L. glandulosa - help with crinkled leaves, please

    Thanks, Clive. I will try liquid carbon dosing too, as lowering light and/or adding more CO2 isn't an option.
  96. George Farmer

    L. glandulosa - help with crinkled leaves, please

    This is a long-shot! Has anyone else experienced crinkly leaves with Ludwigia glandulosa? The crinkled leaves are more prominent with the new growth. They're a deep red colour, but leaves are deformed, and unsightly. I've also experienced it with Nesaea pedicellata and Alternanthera sp...
  97. George Farmer

    Why is this happening?

    More light (either more intensity or photoperiod or both) and you need to split the clumps of hairgrass more. Looks like your CO2, nutrients and circulation are good, so light and planting technique are your weakest links. Substrate shouldn't matter so much. Hairgrass isn't fussy.
  98. George Farmer

    Narrow leaf java fern - Latin name?

    Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow'.
  99. George Farmer

    I know all of my plants by name...

    Possibly a juvenile Echinodorus uruguayensis. Definitely Echinodorus sp.
  100. George Farmer

    Collect yor own

    Legally you are required to seek permission from the land owner, whoever it may be.
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