Habitat - Indoor :: Noob Aquatic Planting Tips?

[jen188]

Hi everyone,

I just recently got my hands on a bunch of anacharis each, and I am trying to figure out how to propagate and let the taller ones grow before I snip the offshoot roots to grow and establish its own roots. I'm hoping to allow the turtles to eat some after they've grown a bit more while leaving some to grow and replenish the plant so I don't have to keep buying them, since they love the plant and won't eat any other form of veggies. Right now, the anacharis are now drifting in a big candy bucket under a typical flourscent lamp. I'd like to know if the florescent bulb is able to provide enough light for the plants to grow?

Also, I've considered planting some of the anacharis in my goldfish tank to keep the turtles from gobbling them too quickly, which has typical aquarium gravel. Do you guys have any ideas on how to keep the fish from nibbling at the anacharis? Sometimes they uproot the fake plant we've had for years in there. And the fish tank has a tank hood with a light that we've never really used over the years. Also, I want to know if normal aquarium gravel will be allow the anacharis to establish roots and eventually for me to propagate some offshoots, and if I'll need some sort of aquatic plant fertilizer?

Thanks for any tips!

[jen188]

Quick Noob Question:
What color should healthy leaves on the anacharis look I ike?

[steve]

They can survive free floating or you can cut off the bottom inch and stick it into the substrate. Mine grew near a window, without a dedicated light. I did not need a fertilizer. I had snails in there and eventually they consumed too much of it. As for keeping fish away, you might need a physical barrier. They look very green when healthy and brownish/tan when dying, like most plants.

[jen188]

Thanks for the tips, I placed them near a window and the plants seem to be responding well to sunlight. On a side, note I was wondering if anyone knew what the actual nutritional content of anacharis, which my turtles love now. Is it bad if I feed my turtles dying anacharis (I'm hoping to revive some of the darker colored anacharis with some sunlight)?

[steve]

I have no idea, though I wouldn't use any that are dying. Be sure to include other veggies than anacharis.. variety is important.

[VeipaCray]

The brownish/tan can also be an indication of iron deficiency in the water column. If you grow Anacharis outside of your turtle tank, you can try adding flourish & flourish excel.