Emersed Aroid and Stem Plant Collection

[UDGags]

Instead of selling just get more tanks

[jshoker]

Originally Posted by ThatGuyWithTheFish

I don't even want to know how much all those buces cost. O.o

The rumor is that he sold his left kidney on Craig's list to afford this.

[Mumford]

What're you going to do with all these? Just keep them in those tanks forever?

Seems like a shame

[AzFishKid]

Originally Posted by Mumford

What're you going to do with all these? Just keep them in those tanks forever?

Seems like a shame

Why is it a shame? I enjoy collecting them.

[samee]

Originally Posted by jshoker

The rumor is that he sold his left kidney on Craig's list to afford this.

I didnt know 1 kidney was worth diamonds

[Mumford]

Originally Posted by AzFishKid

Why is it a shame? I enjoy collecting them.

Looks very difficult to see them, that's all


- Mumford

[samee]

From my POV, it looks like they are being grown to sell, lots of potential $$. Thats just what I think tho. Really nice plants though.

[AzFishKid]

Originally Posted by samee

From my POV, it looks like they are being grown to sell, lots of potential $$. Thats just what I think tho. Really nice plants though.

Yes i do sell them, but that is most definitely not the primary reason why i collect them.

Originally Posted by Mumford

Looks very difficult to see them, that's all


- Mumford

When i want to admire them, i turn off the ultrasonic fogger-- then it's easy to see them.
You'd be surprised at how long i sit on my floor every day and look at these plants...

[AzFishKid]

Small update...
I got a 29G to house more plants in! Hooray! Also took out 2 of the 4 bulbs from each fixture, and the plants seem to be responding positively.
Of course, i added lots of new Buces... will update list on original post.

I've also been experimenting with different types of soils. All of the plants in the bottom tank have been in 100% sphagnum peat soil for the past few weeks, and they are doing very well and the roots have established very quickly. I plan on repotting all of the plants to pots with this soil over time, since i'm happy with the results. The added acidity of the soil seems to help-- i think the aquasoil has lost some of its acidity over time.



Bottom tank:


Middle tank:


New top tank:


Bucephalandra 'Nanga Pinoh' (green)


Bucephalandra 'Melawi' (blue)


Bucephalandra catherineae 'mini' -- SO SMALL!


Bucephalandra 'Sekadau' (round leaf)


Aridarum brutii -- my favorite Aridarum species


Bucephalandra 'Lamandau' purple (left), Bucephalandra 'belindae' (right)

[jshoker]

Hey Phil...looking good! I guess you don't need my 29 gal anymore...

I'm trying to do a similar set-up for my anubias and just needed your input.I have a few questions. What size clay pots are you using? and why did you double up on clay pots?

Also, why use aquasoil and not regular potting mix like miracle grow? does it matter?

Also how much light is necessary for emersed growth? I was planning on using regular 48" flourescent T8 fixture for two 20 gallon standard side by side. I think they're 32 watts a bulb.

[AzFishKid]

Originally Posted by jshoker

Hey Phil...looking good! I guess you don't need my 29 gal anymore...

I'm trying to do a similar set-up for my anubias and just needed your input.I have a few questions. What size clay pots are you using? and why did you double up on clay pots?

Also, why use aquasoil and not regular potting mix like miracle grow? does it matter?

Also how much light is necessary for emersed growth? I was planning on using regular 48" flourescent T8 fixture for two 20 gallon standard side by side. I think they're 32 watts a bulb.

Hey man, the clay pots are 2.5" if i remember correctly (not at home right now, will measure tomorrow). They have proved to be too small for some of the Buces, but for ones that stay tiny, they're perfect. In fact, i actually have a bunch (around 80 i think) 2.5" plastic square pots that i'm not using. If you're interested, you can have them.

I actually switched about half of the plants over to miracle grow spagnum peat moss soil a few weeks ago and have been very pleased with the results. Aquasoil worked well for a while, but i think the plants started to suffer a little when the acidic qualities of the soil started to decline. I think most people will tell you that the type of soil that you use doesn't really matter, though it does seem to be important that the soil is acidic for Bucephalandras specifically. I think it just comes down to which product you prefer.

Emersed plants really don't need a whole lot of light. In fact, many don't like a lot of light. I had 4 bulbs over each of these tanks for a while, and then decided to take 2 out of each fixture so there would just be 2 bulbs over each tank... the plants seem to responding well. Your T8 fixtures should be just fine.

[jshoker]

Originally Posted by AzFishKid

Hey man, the clay pots are 2.5" if i remember correctly (not at home right now, will measure tomorrow). They have proved to be too small for some of the Buces, but for ones that stay tiny, they're perfect. In fact, i actually have a bunch (around 80 i think) 2.5" plastic square pots that i'm not using. If you're interested, you can have them.

I actually switched about half of the plants over to miracle grow spagnum peat moss soil a few weeks ago and have been very pleased with the results. Aquasoil worked well for a while, but i think the plants started to suffer a little when the acidic qualities of the soil started to decline. I think most people will tell you that the type of soil that you use doesn't really matter, though it does seem to be important that the soil is acidic for Bucephalandras specifically. I think it just comes down to which product you prefer.

Emersed plants really don't need a whole lot of light. In fact, many don't like a lot of light. I had 4 bulbs over each of these tanks for a while, and then decided to take 2 out of each fixture so there would just be 2 bulbs over each tank... the plants seem to responding well. Your T8 fixtures should be just fine.

Thanks dude. Great info. I'll let you know about those plastic containers when I start setting up. BTW the dollar store right now has clay pots 3 for $1 but not sure of size. It's a seasonal item.

[jaival]

what a fantastic setup.... keep it coming
i am very new to collecting bucephalandras, but enjoying it

[speedie408]

Good lookin plants dude.

[johnson18]

Nice collection! I just started an emersed setup, so I am just beginning my quest for Buces and Crypts.