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Frequently Asked Questions
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Common aquatic plant deficiencies??
This image summarizes it in a nice way. (Click for bigger image)
SourceWhat are emersed aquatic plants?
Emersed plants refers to aquatic plants that are grown out of water. Most plant farms will grow their plants emersed for the simple fact that it is cheaper to grow, maintain as well as ship and adapt to your new tank environment.
Most aquatic plants can be grown out of water (emersed). When grown out of water, you may notice a physical transformation in the plant. Leaf shapes, colours and growth characteristics may differ. Some aquatic plants will only flower when in its emersed stage.
Here is an example of Rotala Rotundifolia
Emersed:
Submerged:
![[IMG]](http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/plantfinder/images/Lythraceae/Rotalarotundifolia3.jpg)
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/plantfinder/images/Lythraceae/Rotalarotundifolia3.jpgWhat are non-aquatic plants?
Non aquatic plants are plants commonly sold at your local pet shop as aquatic plants. These plants will NOT grow in your tank as they are not adapted to. Most of these plants will seem like they grow initially but all of them do indeed stop growing and melt eventually.
Why are they still selling these plants? These plants are actually meant for ripariums. Some stores, however do still advertise these as aquatic plants.
Don't waste your money and don't be fooled! Check out our list of non-aquatic plants commonly sold as aquatic plants (with pictures):
http://www.apsa.co.za/xenforo/threads/plants-commonly-sold-as-aquatic-that-arent.3378/What low tech plants can a newbie grow?
Low tech plants refers to plants do not require CO2 or lots of light. There are many options when it comes to these easy to grow plants.
Please refer to the following link:
http://www.apsa.co.za/xenforo/threads/low-tech-plants.11688/ -
How does one inject CO2 into a planted tank?
There are various methods for injecting/diffusing CO2 into a planted aquarium. Some methods include, a ceramic CO2 diffuser, external CO2 reactor, etc.
For more information, please read through this thread write-up:
CO2 Basics and Diffusion MethodsAre there any CO2 articles for beginners?
Please read up on the following threads regarding CO2 in the planted tank:
A newbie guide to CO2 kit
CO2 Basics and Diffusion Methods -
What is EI?
EI stands for Estimative Index.
Quote from James' Planted Tank
For more EI related info on APSA, please read the following:
Demystifying the Estimative Index
EI for dummies.. -
What is aquascaping?
Quote from Wikipedia
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where do i upload and share all my tank and fish pics ???
You should preferably start a new thread under "Aquascaping and Member's Setups" and upload your pics via the "Upload a File" tab . Alternatively, you can use an image hosting site such as Flickr or Photobucket and add a link to your shared pics in (for example) your signature on forum. how do I search for a certain member?
Click or tap the "Members" tab up top. On your right (under progress bar) you'll see "Find member". Type in the members nick or part thereof and it'll show you a list of member names that start with what you typed. What does LFS and LPS stand for?
Local fish shop & local pet shop respectively. How do you delete an old post?
We set time limits for this so that posts cannot be altered to mean other things in future. Please contact one of our mods or admins with details of what you want altered and we will gladly help with your request. -
How long should my lights be on for?
Results may vary for different tanks but the standard is approximately 8 hrs. Please suggest some articles with regards to lighting for my planted tank?
We have some lovely articles or links to articles here on APSA. Please click on the following links:
What light do plants need and how can we choose a good lamp?
Lighting Parameters for Photophilic Aquarium Plants
Interesting article on the importance of light for plants -
can I put baby guppies with my baby balloon mollies?
Rule of thumb with any fish are that if it fits in its mouth it is food. What is the best substrate to use in a planted tank?
This answer depends on your budget and the plants you want to grow.
Please take a look at this thread for more info on different substrate options best suited for you:
Substrates
