Floating Plants

[ChilliPepper]

I'd like to get some floating plants for my tank, as I think my fish - especially the Gouramis - would like some shade. My other plants haven't really started growing yet as it's only been a week

I've been looking at Nymphaea sp rubra and Salvinia Natans. Am I right in thinking I can just place them at the top of my tank, just floating on the water? Or do I have to plant them in the sand and once they've grown to the surface then they will spread over it?

Sorry, I'm ignorant when it comes to aquatic plants!

 

[Rlon35]

I'd like to get some floating plants for my tank, as I think my fish - especially the Gouramis - would like some shade. My other plants haven't really started growing yet as it's only been a week

I've been looking at Nymphaea sp rubra and Salvinia Natans. Am I right in thinking I can just place them at the top of my tank, just floating on the water? Or do I have to plant them in the sand and once they've grown to the surface then they will spread over it?

Sorry, I'm ignorant when it comes to aquatic plants!

^^^^^^^

You can float water sprite, plant it in the gravel, or tuck it under something like a leaning piece of slate. It gets most of its nutrietns from it's leaves (forms root like branches when doing well), not its roots, and it is perfect for bettas and gouramis (gives them much security). My endlers livebearer just hangs out in it all the time. But, it must be trimmed often, and it requires nutrient dosing and relatively still water IMO. Once you plant it, do not take the roots out, as they are fragile and will break. Just trim back the branches, especially when parts of it start to look like washed lettuce.

 

[ChilliPepper]

Thanks Rion35 - can't find any water sprite for sale on ebay, any idea where I can get it online?


I have just been reading up and found that my Nymphaea Tiger Lotus Red bulb which I got today, should be floated in the tank until it finally settles. What do I do after this happens? Can I choose where I put it or will it choose itself Also, it already has some sprouting and leaves. Do all the Nymphaea varieties need the same treatment?

I use T5 lighting and Seachem Flourish excel.

 

[aaronnorth]

the tiger lotus, plant it and it will grow, and produce surface leaves if you dont trim it.

floating plants:

salvina natans
amazon frogbit
water lettuce
duckweed

good plants shops:

aqua essentials
the green machine
plants alive.

 

[ChilliPepper]

Hi Aaron

Should I bury the bulb in the sand?

 

[aaronnorth]

some peple say you should only bury half of it, but as far as i know (and i have done myself) that covering it all it will still grow.

 

[ChilliPepper]

Ah I have buried the bulb and will see what happens. I also bought some Nymphaea Rubra, so will plant those too.

I've bought these at the same time http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...N:IT&ih=012 (Salvinia natans) and am unsure what to do with it, I've just floated it on the water - is that right?

Thanks.

 

[aaronnorth]

yes just leave it floating.

 

[ChilliPepper]

yes just leave it floating.

Thanks for your help