Re: Floating plants for a breeding tank?

[Piabinha@aol.com]

In a message dated 5/9/2002 10:07:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time, mr_apisto@graffiti.net writes:

> My three favourites are
> Eichornia Crassipes (Water Hyacinth):
> Pros: This is THE best for removing nitrates, since I started using this I have NEVER had readable nitrate levels (it may also be the reason why the Amazon is nitrate free as it is the primary floating plant in the amazon basin). If you can get it to flower it's spectacular
> Cons: It's BIG and needs space above the water, so it's only really suitable for open topped tanks


you'll need a really really big tank for this one...

> Water Lettuce (can't find the Scientific name off-hand):
> Pros: Good at removing nitrates etc, long roots, doesn't need space on top
> Cons: Doesn't flower, degenerates if it gets water on it's leaves, doesn't grow big if it has any competition.


it blooms all the time for me, i think you are missing its blossoms, which are tiny little "calla-lily" things nested among the leaves (it makes sense since it's in the aroid family, as are crypts, callas (Zantedeschia) and anubias).

> Lemna ??? (the one which isn't duckweed!):

> Pros: It isn't as invasive as duckweed, it does the filter thing
> Cons: Boring as a politician's speech


are you thinking of Salvinia or Wolffia?

tsuh yang in NY