Tiger Lotus Lily

[DaveW]

I was wondering if a Tiger Lotus Lily would grow OK in my tank. I have only got 1.2 WPG, plain sand substrate and a Nutrafin CO2 system. I am thinking of upgrading the lighting, going pressurized and changing the substrate, but I haven't got the money for that . So, I'm trying to make the best of what I've got for now.

 

[@ombomb]

They need fairly high lighting levels I think.

Have a look at www.plantgeek.net which groups plants by light requirements.

 

[blue_ram]

With 1.2watt/gallon, and low budget, stick with low light plants. It's MUCH cheaper to keep than plants requiring medium to high lighting, since you don't need any fancy equipments to grow them. Also your utility bill will be significantly lower.

Think of it this way. To keep expensive, exotic fish, you need be prepared to shell out big bucks. If you're not willing to spend the time, money, and effort to keep them, it makes no sense to buy them in the first place. Same goes for the plants. This is why I choose to keep low light, low maintainance plants. You won't get tired of high maintaince routines; especially when you're really busy.

 

[DaveW]

Cheers.

I think I'll wait until I have the time and money to go all the way.

Thanks.

 

[jimbooo]

the light is not really strong enough i'm afraid. i have one in my cube tank (about 1.3WPG) but i do have laterite in the substrate and lots of co2. it is growing but very slowly. only been in there about 3 weeks so too soon to tell.

i would say the plain sand coupled with the low light will make for very slow growing lillies should you decide to add them.

 

[DaveW]

Well, I must admit I placed a small plant order last night. And yes, I ordered a Tiger Lotus Lily. It was only a couple of quid and if it doesn't make it, it might push me a bit more to upgrade!

 

[DaveW]

the light is not really strong enough i'm afraid. i have one in my cube tank (about 1.3WPG) but i do have laterite in the substrate and lots of co2. it is growing but very slowly. only been in there about 3 weeks so too soon to tell.

i would say the plain sand coupled with the low light will make for very slow growing lillies should you decide to add them.

I was at the LFS today and saw some fertiliser spikes. And it make me think, would that help if I put 1 or 2 under the lily?

 

[AndyTaylor]

been away for 4 days on hols, just back and my lily has grown at least 6 inches! I've only got a little over 1 WPG so maybe it is possible to grow lillies like this! How's yours doing, DaveW?

 

[Discomafia]

1wpg, and six inches in four days? You can't be serious?

 

[The-Wolf]

I found that when I added CO2 the growth rate of TLL is exponential.
maybe that is why you achieved a good growth in 4 days.

mine does very well in a tank that is 62g with only 60w of light
and this tank is a blackwater set up, thus the light is further reduced.

 

[jimbooo]

perfectly believeable, the one i have put in my cube (1.5ish WPG) has sprouted 4 leaves, all about 6/7 inches tall in a weeks or so. i also have lots of co2 going in to the tank which obviously helps.