Hey, I'm doing research and I think I'll be using my 5 Gallon tanks. I'm planning to re-create an Underwater Kelp environment. I really want to get this plant, but I'm having trouble finding info on the necessary Water Parameters and temperature requirements.
The only thing I know is that they can grow up to 2-3 meters - yeah, I know, it's a lot for a 5 gallon tank! But I'm only keeping plants, no fish, shrimp, or snails, just plants.
I also found out that Hydrilla verticillata (L. f.) Royle is also known as Water Thyme or Florida Elodea. Any info you can share would be super helpful. Thanks a lot!
Information on hydrilla verticillata (l. f.) royle
Re: Information on hydrilla verticillata (l. f.) royle
I'm not entirely familiar with the specific Elodea species you're looking at, but Anacharis is another option that's relatively easy to find and has a similar appearance. Both species are often referred to as water weed, so I'm not sure there are specific water parameters to look out for.
I love the idea of recreating a kelp scene, but I think adding some livestock would really help with scale - that's what makes kelp so impressive, right? Some nano fish like Badis or Dario species could work well, or even Sparkling Gouramis. However, I think Clown Killifish would be a great choice; they'd really appreciate the dense planting, and their reflective eyes would be a great feature in this setup.
For the decor, I'd suggest a rocky base with small rock chips and sand, and some twig branches pointing upwards - this will help create a sense of scale and make the 'kelp' look more impressive. If you can get your hands on some Subwassertang Moss to place around the base, that would be a great addition; it's easy to grow and has a seaweed-like appearance.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how this tank turns out - what are the dimensions of your 5-gallon tank? A tall tank would be perfect for this setup.
I love the idea of recreating a kelp scene, but I think adding some livestock would really help with scale - that's what makes kelp so impressive, right? Some nano fish like Badis or Dario species could work well, or even Sparkling Gouramis. However, I think Clown Killifish would be a great choice; they'd really appreciate the dense planting, and their reflective eyes would be a great feature in this setup.
For the decor, I'd suggest a rocky base with small rock chips and sand, and some twig branches pointing upwards - this will help create a sense of scale and make the 'kelp' look more impressive. If you can get your hands on some Subwassertang Moss to place around the base, that would be a great addition; it's easy to grow and has a seaweed-like appearance.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how this tank turns out - what are the dimensions of your 5-gallon tank? A tall tank would be perfect for this setup.
Re: Information on hydrilla verticillata (l. f.) royle
Not really a tall tank, but I'm planning to move them to my 55 gal if they grow well. I got a great deal on the plants, 30 stems for just 5 bucks. Still waiting for some growth signs, and if they take off, I'll probably re-scape my 55 gallons - it's looking a bit messy at the moment.
My 5 and 10 gallon tanks are dedicated to my Anubias farm and emergency quarantine tank, so I don't want to disturb them. I'm thinking of turning my 10 gallon into a shrimp tank again, but budget is a bit of an issue for me right now. I'm trying to be independent and not rely on my parents' money, as some of you may know from my posts on the Folkento4t mental issue thread. Thanks for the idea, though - it's given me some inspiration for my future tank setup.
My 5 and 10 gallon tanks are dedicated to my Anubias farm and emergency quarantine tank, so I don't want to disturb them. I'm thinking of turning my 10 gallon into a shrimp tank again, but budget is a bit of an issue for me right now. I'm trying to be independent and not rely on my parents' money, as some of you may know from my posts on the Folkento4t mental issue thread. Thanks for the idea, though - it's given me some inspiration for my future tank setup.