Floating plants for a 29-gallon tank

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florapix
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Re: Floating plants for a 29-gallon tank

Post by florapix »

coltin wrote: Fri Oct 25, 2024 11:49 pm I'd advise against adding more floating plants, the Water Sprite you already have will likely take over the tank. From what I've read, Water Lettuce isn't ideal for a 29-gallon with a lid, it tends to rot under coverglass and requires really bright light, which might be a challenge in a smaller tank.
Thanks for the ID, I feel bad getting rid of them, but I don't want them to rot either. Should I just leave them in and see how they do, or try to find a new home for them?
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florapix
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Re: Floating plants for a 29-gallon tank

Post by florapix »

coltin wrote: Fri Oct 25, 2024 11:49 pm I'd advise against adding more floating plants, the Water Sprite you already have will likely take over the tank. From what I've read, Water Lettuce isn't ideal for a 29-gallon with a lid, it tends to rot under coverglass and requires really bright light, which might be a challenge in a smaller tank.
Starting a new tank just to use up excess plants, that's dedication.
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florapix
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Re: Floating plants for a 29-gallon tank

Post by florapix »

coltin wrote: Fri Oct 25, 2024 11:49 pm I'd advise against adding more floating plants, the Water Sprite you already have will likely take over the tank. From what I've read, Water Lettuce isn't ideal for a 29-gallon with a lid, it tends to rot under coverglass and requires really bright light, which might be a challenge in a smaller tank.
I actually found a pack of 24 on EBay for $10, it's got great reviews so I'm gonna go ahead and order them. Do I need to worry about special requirements, like Co2 or anything like that? Thanks
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coltin
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Re: Floating plants for a 29-gallon tank

Post by coltin »

florapix wrote: Fri Oct 25, 2024 9:32 pm I'm looking to expand my floating plant collection for my 29-gallon tank. Currently, I've got water sprite and a few mystery plants from my local fish store. I'll post some pics of the unknown ones tomorrow.

I've come across water lettuce as a popular option, but I'm unsure if it's suitable for a 29-gallon tank with a lid. Is it more geared towards pond use?
Just let them be and see how they do. If they grow, they'll turn into a lovely plant.
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EpaPuff
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Re: Floating plants for a 29-gallon tank

Post by EpaPuff »

florapix wrote: Fri Oct 25, 2024 9:32 pm I'm looking to expand my floating plant collection for my 29-gallon tank. Currently, I've got water sprite and a few mystery plants from my local fish store. I'll post some pics of the unknown ones tomorrow.

I've come across water lettuce as a popular option, but I'm unsure if it's suitable for a 29-gallon tank with a lid. Is it more geared towards pond use?
Not really, I just use a couple of clip-on desk lamps with medium intensity LED bulbs on my tank and some liquid fertilizers, they'll be fine without it though
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florapix
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Re: Floating plants for a 29-gallon tank

Post by florapix »

florapix wrote: Fri Oct 25, 2024 9:32 pm I'm looking to expand my floating plant collection for my 29-gallon tank. Currently, I've got water sprite and a few mystery plants from my local fish store. I'll post some pics of the unknown ones tomorrow.

I've come across water lettuce as a popular option, but I'm unsure if it's suitable for a 29-gallon tank with a lid. Is it more geared towards pond use?
Thanks. I've got a lot of surface agitation from my air stone and filter. I saw those feeding rings online that create a little space for floating plants. Can you make one yourself or is it easier to just buy one?
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EpaPuff
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Re: Floating plants for a 29-gallon tank

Post by EpaPuff »

florapix wrote: Fri Oct 25, 2024 9:32 pm I'm looking to expand my floating plant collection for my 29-gallon tank. Currently, I've got water sprite and a few mystery plants from my local fish store. I'll post some pics of the unknown ones tomorrow.

I've come across water lettuce as a popular option, but I'm unsure if it's suitable for a 29-gallon tank with a lid. Is it more geared towards pond use?
For making a feeding ring, I just use airline hose to create a circle and it works great. I apply gel super glue to one end, fill it up good, then fold the other end a bit to make it easier to shove in. If your hose has stubborn kinks, cut a piece of cardboard to the desired shape, heat the hose with a blow dryer, and wrap it around the cardboard - it'll hold its shape.
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florapix
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Re: Floating plants for a 29-gallon tank

Post by florapix »

florapix wrote: Fri Oct 25, 2024 9:32 pm I'm looking to expand my floating plant collection for my 29-gallon tank. Currently, I've got water sprite and a few mystery plants from my local fish store. I'll post some pics of the unknown ones tomorrow.

I've come across water lettuce as a popular option, but I'm unsure if it's suitable for a 29-gallon tank with a lid. Is it more geared towards pond use?
Thanks. I found another idea using plastic straws to make a little square. I could attach a suction cup to the side of my tank and tie some fishing line to hold it in place. Would the plastic straws be safe for my tank, though? Don't want any chemicals leaching into my water.
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EpaPuff
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Re: Floating plants for a 29-gallon tank

Post by EpaPuff »

florapix wrote: Fri Oct 25, 2024 9:32 pm I'm looking to expand my floating plant collection for my 29-gallon tank. Currently, I've got water sprite and a few mystery plants from my local fish store. I'll post some pics of the unknown ones tomorrow.

I've come across water lettuce as a popular option, but I'm unsure if it's suitable for a 29-gallon tank with a lid. Is it more geared towards pond use?
Honestly, I'm not entirely sure, but I'd think if people drink through them, they'd be okay in a tank.
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coltin
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Re: Floating plants for a 29-gallon tank

Post by coltin »

I've found a simple way to keep floating plants contained in my tank, and it's worked great for me. You can create a loop using airline hose and a joiner, or plastic hose and a joiner. Then, tie a length of fishing line - about 10-12 inches should do - to the loop, and attach the other end to a suction cup. This suction cup goes against the glass, roughly halfway down in the water.

When you place your plants inside the loop, they'll stay put. And the best part is, when you do water changes, the string allows the loop to move up and down with the water level, so you don't have to worry about it getting stuck.
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