Recently there have been numerous posts regarding plants purchased and then planted into a fresh/new tank set-up!
Here are a few pointers to get you on the correct road to success.
Here are a few pointers to get you on the correct road to success.
- Most plants that are purchased have been grown emersed, roots in water with stalks/stems and leaves above the water line.
- These plants need time to adapt to underwater aquarium plants, this could take anything from a few weeks to a few months depending on plant species.
- Typical plant issues when added to the aquarium can be seen in leaf melt, opaque patches, blotches, black spots, leaf destruction, holes, wilting, and various other symptoms.
- Plant health issues are common in new tanks, especially Cryptocoyrne plants.
- If the root starts to disintegrate the plant is in trouble and best discarded.
- Bucephalandra/Anubias are susceptible to total leaf destruction if there is trace Ammonia present in the aquarium, therefore these species are best added 6/8 weeks after the initial set-up.
Below are a few tips on getting the most out of your purchased plants.
- Stem plants can be left floating on the surface for a few weeks, this will help with the adaption process and will increase in size and length.
- Potted rosette plants like Cryptocoryne and Echinodorus can be planted into the substrate, but be prepared to remove any melting/dying leaves.
- In Vitro/Tissue Culture cups/pots can be washed and cleaned of growing media and then left for several weeks on the surface of the water to increase plant mass and then planted.
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- Do regular water changes which will help with the
- removal of waste organics/ammonia and speed up the adaption process.
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- Patience is one of the keys in the Planted Tank World.
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