Found my salvinia in the wild, a rare aquatic plant discovery

[Rizen]

My other plants showed up a couple days ago, except they decided to visit my neighbor first. We finally found the salvinia today and it's looking a bit rough from its 4+ day box vacation. I've set it up in a 2-gallon container with a mix of 4 parts tap water (no chlorine) and 1 part tank water, and it's chillin' on the windowsill getting some light. Got some saran wrap with holes poked in it covering the top to keep dog hair and dust out.

I'm heading out camping in a few hours, so I won't be able to keep an eye on it like usual. Don't have any fertilizer on hand, but I was wondering if there's any home remedies to help it survive till I get back on Sunday.

[boomer]

Considering you've got the other plants in a tank, it might be better to put the salvinia in there too. That way, you can just set the light on a timer and not have to worry about it while you're away camping.

[kingrise]

I'd recommend putting it in your tank, it's a better setup for it. If you can, place it on the opposite side from your filter, unless you have a sponge filter. I've found that mine do really well with plenty of light, and I've never needed to use fertilizers.

[Rizen]

I'm not too keen on putting it in my tank while I'm away, considering we got it from a pretty shady seller and I don't want to come home to a pest infestation. No timer for my lights, so it'd be stuck in the dark. Would adding more tank water help?

[boomer]

My other plants showed up a couple days ago, except they decided to visit my neighbor first. We finally found the salvinia today and it's looking a bit rough from its 4+ day box vacation. I've set it up in a 2-gallon container with a mix of 4 parts tap water (no chlorine) and 1 part tank water, and it's chillin' on the windowsill getting some light. Got some saran wrap with holes poked in it covering the top to keep dog hair and dust out.

I'm heading out camping in a few hours, so I won't be able to keep an eye on it like usual. Don't have any fertilizer on hand, but I was wondering if there's any home remedies to help it survive till I get back on Sunday.

A timer for your tank light is a worthwhile investment, and it won't break the bank - just check out a local hardware store. Consistent lighting is crucial for both your fish and plants, ideally on a regular 24-hour cycle.

Regarding your concerns about a 'pest problem', I think you might be worrying unnecessarily. If you're thinking of snails, they're actually beneficial, not pests. As for other critters, it's possible, depending on the seller you got the plants from.

I still think it's a good idea to put the salvinia in your tank, especially considering you've already got other plants in there. Just be sure to place it on the opposite side of the filter, unless you're using a sponge filter.

[Rizen]

Considering you've got the other plants in a tank, it might be better to put the salvinia in there too. That way, you can just set the light on a timer and not have to worry about it while you're away camping.

I'll definitely look into getting a timer set up soon, probably before my next trip. I was worried about introducing unwanted critters to my tank, like hydra, which I've heard can come in with new plants. I'm not sure how much of a problem it would be, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

[kingrise]

Most snails are actually beneficial for your aquarium, contrary to what many people think.

[Rizen]

I'd recommend putting it in your tank, it's a better setup for it. If you can, place it on the opposite side from your filter, unless you have a sponge filter. I've found that mine do really well with plenty of light, and I've never needed to use fertilizers.

I'm actually looking forward to getting a mystery snail for my tank, I think they're pretty cool. Just not the ones that might come in with new plants, those I'm not ready for - especially if they start reproducing.