Question about plants.

[erollin]

Hello,

A short question on plants by a newcomer.

Did anybody try to use plants from rivers and lakes of the region for their aquarium?

Is there any comments on these points for 'native' aquatic plants?
-Hardness of the water on plants
-Temperature of the water on plants
-Risk of introducing deadly bacteria in the tank
-Toxicity of the plants

In summary, I want good reason to stop me of picking plants from the lake and river.

Thanks,
Etienne

[Eirikre]

I have a nice plant in my aquarium which I got in lake Erie.  I didn't think it would do to well since it is a tropical tank but it's been 7 months and it's doing great.

[Ron]

Hi Etienne,

Most of the aquatic plants that grow locally will have a difficult time in the warmer temperatures we keep our tropical tanks at. That said, it won't cost you much to try!

In order to avoid introducing anything nasty into your tank with the plants, you can soak them in a solution of one tablespoon of alum per litre of water for a minute or two, then rinse them well before adding them to your tank. You can find alum at the grocery store with the stuff for making pickles.

In my experience, most aquatic plants do quite nicely in harder water. As far as being toxic goes, I can't imagine any problem short of allowing a large quantity to die and decompose in your tank.

Let us know how you make out,

Ron

[cichlid_girl]

I had a whole ton of water lillies growing quite well in my tank before i had to move it from st catherines to hear. they didnt survive the trip. I got them from a nearby pond.

[Pisidan]

I would love to have some water lillies for my tanks they r so nice when in bloom!!