How safe is a plant bulb for a freshwater tank.?

Question

Since it sprouted from the bulb - its been growing like crazy. I'm assuming the fish like it because they are always nipping at it... But how can I tame it ? Should I cut it ? Its got these 2 long string type pieces that have grown up to the top of the water and there are so many leaves. Its crazy!

Answer 1

If you got one of these aquarium bulb sets at WalMart of a pet store you either have Aponogeton or a dwarf water lily in most cases. Aponogeton has long, thin leaves (http://aqualandpetsplus.com/Decor%20116.jpg ), and the dwarf lily leaves are either green or in some cases pinkish, but the shape is triangular (http://aqualandpetsplus.com/Plant,243.jpg ). Either one of these is safe with fish. I've also seen some Crinium bulbs, but this looks like an onion bulb at the bottom (http://www.bythepond.com/images/Img107.jpg ). Most fish won't eat this one, so yours is probably one of the first two.

The leaves at the top of the water are natural for the Aponongetons and others. Plants need light for photosynthesis, and these will grow as close to the lighting in your tank as they possibly can.

Answer 2

You probably have an Aponogeton of some sort - they throw flowers above water level and will seed if lightly dusted with a feather or cotton ball. They're rather strong growers and my snails love to eat them. If you could provide a picture of it, it would help in species-specific identification.

If you fish are eating it, the sap shouldn't be much of an issue, so you should buy some new scissors, rinse them well in a bowl of tank water and prune the plant back to your satisfaction.

Answer 3

Fish won't choke on sand. The grain size of the sand should be a little coarse, like the sand used in swimming pool filters. (A good clean source for sand.) Avoid the very fine particle types like "sugar sand". Sharp sand is good for water flow, but bad for Khulii Loaches. They like to burrow into the substrate and sharp sand scratches them. If you want to use sand for Loaches find stuff called "Washed River Sand". Usually found at construction supply places and lumber yards that sell concrete products. If you use this it will have to be thoroughly washed (rinsed in flowing water in a bucket) until the water runs clear. Do that in small batches to avoid loosing material.

Answer 4

If it was allowed to grow a few inches out of the water, they have been known to bloom. You can trim it if you want, but as long as it's green, it's not hurting anything. I would remove any brown leaves/stems though.

Answer 5

You should cut it regularly. Letting a plant take over your whole tank is a bad idea and should be avoided.

~ZTM

Answer 6

They are safe, if not they wouldn't sell them
I wish mine would grow as much as yours ;-)


EB

Answer 7

i wish mine would grow that fast!!!!

FL : )))