Plant questions
Deb, Whenever my plants have bloomed, their flower stalks were sent about 4 ” above the rim of 16″ high tanks (”standard” 30 and 40 gallon longs). As there was at 2″ of gravel in the tank, that would mean these stalks were about 18″ from the plant’s crown to the bloom. I don’t know if these flower stalks grow to only a certain length or as necessary to reach well above the water surface, as do tropical water lilies, as I really suspect. I don’t know if you’re planning on planting the 55 gallon or the 29, but the 55 will allow for a good reduction in water level, provided your filter would still operate, yet still allow for a good depth.
Hopefully, your lowering the water level will have the effect on these stalks that they won’t grow as high (but I can’t say for sure). Your best bet may be to just raise the hood, but then you should either put some temporary edging around the perimeter of the tank or still lower the water somewhat, to prevent jumpers. Fortunately, your 55 will let you be flexible in determining a water depth but you’ll still have to be ready to raise the lid.
As has already been stated, don’t expect anything spectacular with these blooms — you won’t be getting corsage-size flowers (LOL). For more spectacular results, you might want to try a miniature hardy water lily, which you can add to an aquarium provided your lighting is adequate. You’d need to rest the pot on something that would raise the top of it to no more than 12″ below the water level, but the results would be pleasing. Three different lilies come to mind — Helvola (yellow flowers), Tetragona (white flowers) and Pigmy Rubra (red flowers), all having 2″ diameter flowers with 5″ diameter leaves.
Any aquatic plant disinfecting you’re considering if you’re still planning on blooming Amazon Swords, and such, should not include submersing the roots. HP is one of the safest ways to go, although many hobbyists use a 5% bleach solution cut at 1 part bleach to 19 parts water. For tough-leaved plants like Sagittaria, dip them for no more than 2 to 3 minutes — then rinse thoroughly. I would be hesitant to use this method for much tenderer plants like Crypto’s, but if you do, allow only half that time or use HP with them. Ray
Category: Philippines Internet Koi Society
