As soon as I got my rescue fish home, I looked around the house for a "water plant" that was non-toxic to put in with him as a "soother". I had some Lucky Bamboo ( Dracena / Dracaena sanderiana ) and I cut off a 2" section that had new growth on it. I am awaiting receipt of ordered Java Moss and Ball Moss so I didn't want to shell out too much more for plants in the meantime. I put it in the tank and the old growth section floats and lets the new shoots hang down. They have been munching on the greens and seem to enjoy using it to hide and play. They particularly seem to like the green outer layer of the old growth. If I plan to use this like a treat/ snack and change it out regularly, can you see any harm in that? Since they are enjoying it, what I figure is that when I do a complete tank change once a week, I'll change out the bamboo and use the old ones as cuttings to grow more.
2007-04-26
06:04:04
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4 answers
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asked by
whisper2roar
3
in
Pets
➔ Fish
They are fed sparingly. This is just something they seem to enjoy and I would like to continue doing if not harmful. Again, this is not intended to replace food -- just to give them some variation in their environment and some pleasure while they get comfortable.
I have been doing furry rescue and ponds for over 20 years now. I've learned this if nothing else: when you first bring a rescue animal away from abuse or neglect, they produce a lot of extra waste because they have to "heal from the inside out". Even carnivores seek out extra fiber to help them pass this waste. These guys have been no exception from what I've seen so far.
I'm in Louisiana where we grow rice and sugarcane; these types of plants are used to restore eroded or overworked water areas. The way I have taken the cutting is the way bamboo and draceanea is propagated in heavily eroded areas. The new growth will eventually outweigh the old growth and sink, grow roots, etc. I don't want it to do that here.
2007-04-26
07:07:54 ·
update #1