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Bucephalandra questions

9K views 14 replies 7 participants last post by  Kalyke  
#1 ·
I got a bunch of Buce from a well known company company. It was all little bits and pieces. This disappointment me, but I knew they would grow. I had to plant it in the gravel. How long before it kind of "catches on" and starts to grow some roots so I don't worry about it floating up? I know it grows slowly, but how slow is slow?
 
#2 ·
I have gotten one new leaf per week and that is on par with what I have read other member's growth rates being. Make sure not to bury the rhizome in the substrate. Also Buce are very easily engulfed with algae, so be sure to keep up on your water changes and tank cleanliness. I just purchased some additional buces as well, good luck with yours!
 
#5 ·
Hi thanks, I do not have a high tech plant tank. I am using some Florin Multi-nutrient in the water once per week. I have Siamese algae eaters, a flock of them, and the whole tank is really "epiphitic" plants (those whose rhizomes cannot be buried). Anubias of various types, (now) Buce, and a large amount of java fern.

Can someone tell me what the "glue" is that you are referring to? Do you dry the plants out first?

Oh, I have also just now gotten a circulation pump, because I read that the plants like them.
 
#6 ·
Use cyanoacrylate super glue, which is just the standard super glue you get from the stores. Just make sure the ingriedient lists it as having cyanoacrylate. You can use it even when the plants are wet and in a tank that is filled with water. Only precaution you need to take is don't use too much as it drys as a white solid so it can be a bit unsightly. There are videos on Youtube of people using it.


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#8 · (Edited)
If you use glue get the gel, it's a lot easier. I glued a couple under water the other day. I put a little glob of glue on the plant, hold it in place for about 30 sec. Some use black super glue, but I haven't been able to locate any. I hate paying $4-$6 for a tiny bottle of glue. They have them at the dollar store here a lot, or I pick up multi tube pack at Harbor Freight or Hobby Lobby. Look at the weight of the glue on the package. Some companies now are putting a small amount in a very large looking container.

I'm also trying a method that I think I saw Hoppy using here. Clear push pins into driftwood. They don't show much and once the plants get a grip you can remove the pins.
 
#11 ·
Next week I am going to do a total re-design of the garden. I thought that metal was not something you wanted to introduce into an aquarium. For that matter, why not "staples." I will try the superglue wet. I was really worried that it would not bond, being wet. I know that doctors use it, but thought there was a separate "medical" type of superglue. What about that stuff for frags? It is some kind of glue too. (That is really expensive).