flchamp89
Aquarium Advice Addict
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2016
- Messages
- 2,387
These are great points. Too add to that. A lot of research has been done on terrestrial plants and of course crops. These kind of questions are fairly easy to get answers for if were talking about these kind of plants.The problem is (and I fear always will be) that there is very little definitive scientific evidence available that quantifies toxic concentrations. It's also difficult because the conditions and variables in which toxicity can become a problem are so wide. I'm sure modern science could perform a set of experiments on popular aquarium plants to help clear the waters?
But how would that affect the muti-million pound fertiliser and plant supplying companies? They certainly ain't going to fund it. Having said that I do think the larger companies have at least taken more of a sensible approach when it comes to producing a more rounded at considered micronutrient fertiliser.
There must be a lot of science behind these companies too to develop such a product right?
Going off on a tangent now though.
So many of our plants we use have been targets for herbicides very little work has been done on how to grow them.
I know you both have had issues outside of rotala. I also have issues with mine at a certain part in there growth. There is so much to learn. With all that we do know on the terrestrial side....in reality we are still a long ways away from from knowing everything we need to or should. I think there is little scientific hope that the aquatic side will ever catch up.
I've tried to apply my terrestrial knowledge to my tanks over the years. While also increasing my knowledge of water chemistry. Its no where enough..it helps greatly. But no better than the average Joe.
I see validity in the concept of micro toxicity. But im holding on to the idea that it is rare. But do think its a soft water issue.
Im also concerned that soil is only a short term band aid at best. As weve duscussed all soil is not created equal. But at the time the soil is exhausted of nutrients it will be too late in some cases to possibly repair any internal plant cell damage due to the lack of micros?
So we add micros towards the end of the soil shelf life? How do we know when that is? And if we do this and the tank is considered a success how do we know it was from what we did? How do we over all prove this theory?
No doubt soil is the best thing to grow plants in. Like fish....should we try and grow plants that work in our specific water? I think the answer is yes.
Other questions that need cconsideration. What role does trimming have in all of this? Formulation of macro and micros? Aquatic diseases ( very little info out there).