My wife (Hannie) and I, don’t like it when our plants die. Hannie is however more stoical about it than me. If a pot plant dies, there is no research to determine the “whys & wherefores”, it’s just a soft “Oh dear”, and off she goes to the shop to buy another plant. She likes the plant’s color and foliage around the house. I think that I am a little bit more scientific. I like to know precisely why the plant died. Then I make my choice of possible treatments, which in some cases succeed, but – admittedly - not every time. Then – one day – Hannie did something unexpected. She bought an artificial plant. “I was getting sick and tired ‘sukkeling’ with the same type of plant dying all the time. So I decided to buy an artificial plant, which resolves that problem. I bet that you haven’t even noticed.” Fact is, I hadn’t. I found it in the bathroom grouped with other live plants in the same pot. It took a few minutes before I found it because the difference between live and artificial plants is - sometimes - very difficult to detect. But now I think that Hannie is perfectly right. If you like a plant because of its beautiful leaves and foliage, while perfectly fitting in a specific spot, and the conditions do not support that plant no matter what you tried, then I think that it’s OK to resort to this method. My confession is that I am now also looking for an artificial plant to install in my tank.
Unfortunately I don't think artificial aquatic plants are quite on PAR with artificial "pot plants". Most looks horrendous and can be spotted a mile away
Anubias for starters. I'm also looking for Bolbites, but I first want to try growing it emersed on drift wood or rocks and circulate them with the ones that are growing in the tank. I have done that with some success for a while with Cryptocoryne.
Its a bit of both . . . Because they grow slowly they eventually get covered with algae. A sorry sight.
Must agree with you, it doesn't look pleasant and trimming doesn't help as too many leaves are affected. @Maurice, how were you able to grow your bolbitis so beautifully without being affected by algae growth?
The one thing that bolbitus loves is flow. I've always found that it just grows better and healthier with lots of water movement. Maurice uses ADA Phyton Git for his ferns and bolbitus.
Sorry dude. It's definitely not. It's pricey, but on a small tank it's super economical. It will last ages on a 60P.
I know and I increased the flow up to the point where the Bolbites is wafting in it, but . . . . no success.
And £22.50 for an eye dropper full is not a price that gets me enthusiastic. It's not a good way to keep our hobby affordable for pensioners or the young. I'm of the opinion that we should avoid expensive purchases, unless - of course - you can afford it, in which case: good luck, but . . . I'm sure there are other ways to pursue.
I agree with shaun on the phyton git.. it's actually quite economical as it's a weekly treatment not daily. 24 drops equal a ml that's 200 treatments on a 60p. R1.75 PER WEEK. Well that's my logic and if it keeps algae at bay which it does and keeps the ferns healthy I can deal with the initial cost.. We spend a fortune on equipment and lights etc etc may as well put the right stuff in for the plants... you are what you eat is the same principle for plants.. not saying a local cheaper alternative wouldnt be great though haha
That's a different story and I certainly wouldn't have a problem with it, particularly if the stuff works. Well said.
Work's well... I started using it after I had endless issues with my first attempt at a planted tank... and I can say without a doubt it's made a difference in my new scape... best 350 I spent so far..
