Hey there,

OK, I joined ages ago but my tank stalled, so I kinda disappeared. Nonetheless it's still on the books! (Books is right: $$$)

Just wondering: are there are floating plants you can propagate without them taking over your whole tank?? If not, how do you keep it under control if you just want partial cover? Not really a plant person but want a planted aquarium... Was looking at Amazon Frogbit. Do we have that here?

Thanks! 8)

Oh yeah, Frogbit is definitely here. Want some? I'm wokring hard to get some out of one of my tanks.

For those wondering what we're on about, it's commonly called DuckWeed here.

As to how to keep it from taking over, you scoop out the extra and throw it away. Leave what you want. That easy

Another way to control it (somewhat) is to get some kind of floating device to keep it contained in a specific area. I once used the top of a breeding net to do this and it did a decent job until it sank one day.

Ahh! Damn duckweed... Is that particularly fast-growing or are all floating plants weeds? :lol:

How about if I got some corkscrew val? Is that here? Insofar as it grows quite tall... Would a plant that grew like that create some shade?

Tell ya the truth many floating plants are considered weeds in aquaria as they grow so well. Not tru in nature as they usually require a calm surface and lots of light. So no duckweed for you, aye? LOL.

Twisted val is something that I kill time and time again with Flourish Excel dosing. Just killed off about 10 plants this week. Never really creates shade.

depend on how tall ur tank is as well i have a 3 foot tank 45 cm water deep and eel grass seem to give some good cover.

Hmmmmm. No, BlueandKim, but thanks anyway! My tank's pretty shallow... Can't remember exact dimensions, but approx 900mmx800mmx500mm (500 being depth).

Will research eelgrass!

Semi-random question: how hard is growing aquatic plants? I like plants (particularly cacti: not that that's relevant!), but I am completely useless with them. Is my black thumb likely to extend below the water line? :roll:

Awesome! That sounds more promising... And thanks.

Not sure when I'll be ready for plants: really need a sturdy stand and lid before I can get any further and that's kinda where I'm stuck. :(

But when I finally get all my planning down, it'll be easier to get things done!!

Can't remember exact dimensions, but approx 900mmx800mmx500mm (500 being depth).

Good depth for a tank. With a thick gravel bed it'll be about 45cm and even fluoros wil be able to light the bottom. Indian Fern is a great choice. I have a 30-40cm fine leaved fern that's been planted its whole life ready for a new home. Sends off babies that you can use as a floating cover.

Yay! We always love positives! 8)

Azolla is the smallest flowering fern in the world (I think that's right)

In low light it is green and in high light a dark pinkish colour.

Forms a triangle per plant of about 25 mm at the base to 40 mm long.

Grows wild in reasonable calm still water that is cold.

I have not tried it in a tropical tank but I would think it would go okay.

Alan 104