New to planted tanks

[Fishguy17]

Hello I've decided to get start planting my ten gallon tank. I ordered a tiger lotus and was wondering if anyone else had had One and just give me some extra info. I know some things but I'd like to know more.

Thanks.

 

[Rivercats]

Tiger Lotus are quite easy. They do like having root tabs at their roots. Also once they start growing you will get two types of leaves. Submerged ones and ones that shoot straight up for the surface (these leaves also have a rounder shape). You want to cut the ones going for the surface off close to the base before they ever reach the surface. This will help train the bulb to eventually send out mostly submerged growth. You will still get some floater leaves trying to grow but just cut them off. This way you will end up with a nice compact growth of submerged leaves.

 

[Fishguy17]

Ok thank you do you have one and if so can you post a picture so I can see what to keep it at.

 

[Rivercats]

Here is a link, it's a Red Tiger Lotus on the left side of the tank in front of the DW. Notice I keep growth low and don't allow any surface leaves. Also once you allow for surface leaves the bulb actually puts more energy into those leaves and not the submerged ones. Aquarium Advice - Aquarium Forum Community - Rivercats's Album: 220g update 12/18/12 - Picture

 

[Fishguy17]

Ok thank you very much and the one I got is a red lotus.

 

[Fishguy17]

Oh and one more thing the one I've ordered they removed the leaves for shipping so they wouldn't be damaged so how deep would I need to place it in my substrate

 

[Rivercats]

I didn't plant mine at all. I laid it on the substrate where I wanted it to root and let it root itself. This way there is no chance of the bulb rotting from being too deep in the substrate. This is just the way I prefer doing it.

 

[Fishguy17]

Ok will the fish mess with it.

 

[Rivercats]

I have a community tank with angels, loaches, cory's, tetras, and such and none messed with it.

 

[Fishguy17]

Ok thank you and sorry I have just one last question how long does it take to sprout. Or if it doesn't how do I know if its rotten?

 

[Rivercats]

It takes awhile but as long as the bulb stays firm with no visable rot then just leave it alone and it will eventually start sending out roots and leaves.

 

[Fishguy17]

Ok thank you very much for all the info.

 

[Rcguerra]

I am a newbie too and this thread was very helpful. Thank you Rivercats for your help here and on the PM you sent me.

 

[Rcguerra]

My almost 3 week dorment red tiger lotus is showing signs of development.

 

[Rivercats]

Knew that if it wasn't rotting it would eventually sprout. I've had bulbs sit a couple months before they decided to grow.

 

[Rcguerra]

Eve though they show signs of development, they seem to be pretty loose for now. Will they eventually be rooted or are these plants the kind that is not really anchored?

 

[Fishguy17]

Do you know what type of plant it is and my bulbs have grown roots ( I found this out during the water change ) and they are small but if you wish you can bury the bulb just a little to hold it in place. Which is what I've done and its worked really well.

 

[Fishguy17]

Is this one the red tiger lotus.

 

[Rivercats]

I never bury my bulbs but know they can be slightly buried. If buried too deep the bulbs can rot. The bulb will eventually get rooted down in place as roots grow longer and deeper into the substrate.

 

[Rcguerra]

Is this one the red tiger lotus.

Yes, it is a red tiger lotus. I inspected it recently, but no signs of roots coming out yet.