Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Banana Aquarium Plant | Nymphoides aquatica




















Name: Banana Plant
Latin Name: Nymphoides aquatica
Category: Rosette Plants
Temperature:  20 - 27 Celsius
PH:  6.0 - 7.2
Lighting:  Low-Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Position in Aquascape:  Foreground or Midground

This is probably one of my favorite plants to look at because it is so different from others. It's not really easy to fit into the typical aquascape but you can combine it with Java Moss and have it in the midground or foreground. And obviously, it should be planted "floating" like the one on the picture in order to appreciate the banana like body. They're relatively easy to maintain so its recommended to beginners and experts alike.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Rotala Indica | Rotala Rotundifolia - Information, Care, Grow.

















Hardiness: Moderate
Light Needs: Medium to High
Genus: Rotala
Family: Lythraceae
Region: South East Asia
Growth Rate: Slow

Rotala Indica is a plant with small leaves that are usually green on top with shades of pink on the bottom. It is originally from South East Asia and it is ideal for middle ground placement in an aquascape. Its small leaves can grow densely and might require some trimming over time.

This plant is perfect for fish that are not aggressive towards plants. It requires medium to high lighting and it does better in warmer water. The Rotala Indica can benefit from the addition of CO2 and iron fertilizers to its roots. To reproduce this plant, simply cut the height you desire and plant it into the gravel. In time, roots will form and get a foothold in the gravel.

Here is a video I found on the care of Rotala Indica





Friday, September 12, 2014

Java Fern | Microsorum Pteropus - Information, Care, Grow

























Name in stores:  Java Fern
Latin Name:
Microsorum Pteropus 
Ideal Water Temperature:  68 - 82.4 Fahrenheit | 20 - 28 Celsius
Ideal Water PH: 
KH 3-8, pH 6.0-7.5
Ligh Requirements:
Moderate or Low Lighting
Rate of Growth: 
Slow
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Origin: 
South East Asia
Ideal Position in Aquarium:
Middle Ground


Java Fern is one of my favorite aquarium plants because of its beauty and low maintenance. They can easily attach to driftwood or rocks so they give a very natural look to the aquascape. They are also serve as an excellent place for baby fish to hide in. 

How to Propagate Java Fern in an Aquarium Video


Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Dwarf Baby Tears | Hemianthus Callitrichoides - Information, Care, Growing




















Name in stores:  Dwarf Baby Tears, Angel's Tears
Latin Name:
Hemianthus Callitrichoides
Ideal Water Temperature:  68 - 82.4 Fahrenheit | 20 - 28 Celsius
Ideal Water PH: 
5.0 - 7.5
Ligh Requirements:
Bright Lighting
Rate of Growth: 
Slow
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Origin: 
Northern Mediterranear
Ideal Position in Aquarium:
Foreground


This is a great plant for placing in the foreground of an aquarium. They can grow on rocks, wood, or thinner gravel in the aquarium. Due to their density and small leaves, they can serve as a good place for spawning fish. The new baby fish can hide in between the leaves and avoid being eaten by other fish in the tank.

Below is a video of how to plant Dwarf Baby Tears in an aquarium.

 

Monday, September 8, 2014

Amazon Sword | Echinodorus Parviflorus Tropica - Information, Care, Growing




















Name in stores:  Amazon Sword Tropica
Latin Name:   
Echinodorus amazonicus
Plant Structure:  Rosette
Species:    Echinodorus
Ideal Water Temperature: 
68 - 82.4 Fahrenheit | 20 - 28 Celsius
Ideal Water PH: 
6.0 - 7.6
Ligh Requirements: 
Medium Lighting
Rate of Growth: 
Slow
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Origin: 
Northern South America
Ideal Position in Aquarium:
Foreground



Sunday, September 7, 2014

Amazon Sword | Echinodorus Amazonicus - Information, Care, Growing


Name in stores:    Amazon Sword
Latin Name:    Echinodorus amazonicus
Species:    Echinodorus
Ideal Water Temperature:  68 - 82.4 Fahrenheit | 20 - 28 Celsius 
Ideal Water PH:    6.0 - 7.6
Ligh Requirements:  Medium Lighting
Rate of Growth:  Slow
Difficulty Level: Medium
Origin:  Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia
Ideal Position in Aquarium:  Background

Amazon Sword Care Video