stemmy plants

rbotto · 01-08-2009, 12:52 AM

I have a variety of plants in 55 gal, CO2 infused, well fertilized tank that seem to grow to the top of the tank before leafing. The stems are full of want-to-be roots, but not much foliage. Then the tank gets shaded from all the leaves at the top. I have 4 - 55w worn out bulbs, and want to buy replacements now. Will that help the plants develop closer to the base?

sewingalot · 01-10-2009, 06:52 AM

What kind of stems are they? Some will naturally loose bottom leaves, especially ludwigia repens. Are they compact bulbs or regular fluorescents?

bsmith · 01-12-2009, 04:07 AM

I am HUGE beliver in the fact that old bulbs (older then 9 mos) ar a major contributor in poor growth. Get new bulbs and post back in 2 weeks. You will have great results.

rbotto · 01-26-2009, 06:41 PM

Wow, I'm impressed, yes it is Ludwigia repens that is the biggest offender. I have long stems with small hairy roots (not too attrraactive) then lots of leaves spread across the surface. I also planted some Ludwigia cuttings in a 10 gallon betta tank with a 10 w bulb and little care. They look great! Nice bush right from the ground up. Ha-ha. I bought new bulbs, 4 55w 8000K and will install them later today.

rbotto · 01-26-2009, 06:43 PM

Will do, thanks for the reply. How do you think i should trim these plants? Cut the bushy tops off and replant them?

sewingalot · 01-27-2009, 10:52 PM

I cut the tops off and replanted them in front of the stems. The stems will sprout more growth. It'll look great.

01-08-2009, 12:52 AM	#1
rbotto Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: South lake Tahoe, CA Posts: 4	stemmy plants I have a variety of plants in 55 gal, CO2 infused, well fertilized tank that seem to grow to the top of the tank before leafing. The stems are full of want-to-be roots, but not much foliage. Then the tank gets shaded from all the leaves at the top. I have 4 - 55w worn out bulbs, and want to buy replacements now. Will that help the plants develop closer to the base?

01-10-2009, 06:52 AM	#2
sewingalot I ♥ BBA! (View User Tanks) PTrader: (112/100%) Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: WV Posts: 12,769	What kind of stems are they? Some will naturally loose bottom leaves, especially ludwigia repens. Are they compact bulbs or regular fluorescents? __________________ Without Algae, death of mankind would be inevitable. 55 gallon journal

01-12-2009, 04:07 AM	#3
bsmith Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (278/99%) Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: St.Louis, MO Posts: 9,058	I am HUGE beliver in the fact that old bulbs (older then 9 mos) ar a major contributor in poor growth. Get new bulbs and post back in 2 weeks. You will have great results. __________________ L183's 60-p Crypt/CRS Playground Appalachian Allure S.Barbatus & Black C. Schultzei breeding tank

01-27-2009, 10:52 PM	#6
sewingalot I ♥ BBA! (View User Tanks) PTrader: (112/100%) Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: WV Posts: 12,769	I cut the tops off and replanted them in front of the stems. The stems will sprout more growth. It'll look great. __________________ Without Algae, death of mankind would be inevitable. 55 gallon journal

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01-26-2009, 06:41 PM	#4
rbotto Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: South lake Tahoe, CA Posts: 4	Wow, I'm impressed, yes it is Ludwigia repens that is the biggest offender. I have long stems with small hairy roots (not too attrraactive) then lots of leaves spread across the surface. I also planted some Ludwigia cuttings in a 10 gallon betta tank with a 10 w bulb and little care. They look great! Nice bush right from the ground up. Ha-ha. I bought new bulbs, 4 55w 8000K and will install them later today.

01-26-2009, 06:43 PM	#5
rbotto Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: South lake Tahoe, CA Posts: 4	Will do, thanks for the reply. How do you think i should trim these plants? Cut the bushy tops off and replant them?