BBradbury
Aquarium Advice Addict
- Joined
- May 24, 2011
- Messages
- 5,011
Hello AA...
Thought an update on my biotope/terraphyte tanks was in order and possibly some updated pics later this week. I've emersed the root balls of three land plants in the tank water, in an effort to reduce the need for large, weekly water changes. The roots take in all forms of nitrogen produced by the fish and maintain a balanced water chemistry. I just add a little liquid "Flora Pride" from Tetra, when I top off the tanks.
The supposed slow growing, land plants: Aglaonema, Philodendron and Pothos are growing surprisingly fast and the Aglaonema is putting out multiple blossoms. The leaves on all the plants are large and healthy with no more than long hours of ambient light.
After a short water testing period, I've found I no longer need to test. The tanks continue to have new batches of fry every few weeks, so the water must stay pollution free.
The aquatic plants have continued to grow well despite the high concentration of oxygen from the airpumps, for the benefit of the land plant roots. The Pennywort is growing between the leaves of the land plants and out of the tanks.
Just an update for my benefit, so I can keep my observations straight. Read if you like.
B
Thought an update on my biotope/terraphyte tanks was in order and possibly some updated pics later this week. I've emersed the root balls of three land plants in the tank water, in an effort to reduce the need for large, weekly water changes. The roots take in all forms of nitrogen produced by the fish and maintain a balanced water chemistry. I just add a little liquid "Flora Pride" from Tetra, when I top off the tanks.
The supposed slow growing, land plants: Aglaonema, Philodendron and Pothos are growing surprisingly fast and the Aglaonema is putting out multiple blossoms. The leaves on all the plants are large and healthy with no more than long hours of ambient light.
After a short water testing period, I've found I no longer need to test. The tanks continue to have new batches of fry every few weeks, so the water must stay pollution free.
The aquatic plants have continued to grow well despite the high concentration of oxygen from the airpumps, for the benefit of the land plant roots. The Pennywort is growing between the leaves of the land plants and out of the tanks.
Just an update for my benefit, so I can keep my observations straight. Read if you like.
B