Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => Fish Tank Plant Advice => Topic started by: Helen on January 28, 2018, 05:43:22 PM

Title: Nymphea lotus and root tabs
Post by: Helen on January 28, 2018, 05:43:22 PM
A couple of months ago I planted a Nymphaea Lotus bulb in my tank. I was worried that it'd not survive as I'd cleaned the substrate pretty well. But it has sent up plenty of new leaves, so it seems healthy.

However, all the new leaves are on short stems and seem quite thin and fragile. I've not had anything that resembles the huge leaves on long thick stalks that I see in other planted tanks. I've not noticed any variants for sale, so think there is only one species.

I've bought some root tabs to improve the nutrients at the roots, but is there any point adding one if I'm not supplementing CO2?
Title: Re: Nymphea lotus and root tabs
Post by: Matt on January 28, 2018, 06:24:30 PM
Root tabs will definately help @Helen

As a bulb plant it will be a root feeder so this will benefit the plant and should help it grow stronger etc.

I'm not aware of a link between root tabs and co2 other than co2 in general will help plants grow faster.
Title: Re: Nymphea lotus and root tabs
Post by: Helen on January 28, 2018, 08:58:18 PM
I only meant that if I'm not adding CO2, it could easily be the growth limiting ingredient and therefore adding extra nutrients to the substrate would be a waste.
Title: Re: Nymphea lotus and root tabs
Post by: Matt on January 28, 2018, 10:03:38 PM
Ahh, I see. Given that the plant prefers to take up its nutrients from the roots I think it is still worth a shot to improve its growth, especially if you have bought them already.
Title: Re: Nymphea lotus and root tabs
Post by: Helen on January 28, 2018, 10:34:42 PM
I'm contemplating putting a few dotted around the tank - particularly near my new crypts to see if it helps.

Though I am going to wait until the new fish have had a week or so to settle in. Even though they seem to have settled very quickly.
Title: Re: Nymphea lotus and root tabs
Post by: Helen on September 17, 2018, 09:39:54 PM
Not about root tabs, but does anyone have any idea how hardy nymphea lotus is? The plant mentioned above did start producing tall stems and thicker surface leaves. It has also produced offspring. Although I'm happy for one extra plant to stay where it is, I don't really need 3 in the same place in my tank. How likely is it to zurvive if I move it? The spot I have earmarked also has less light and is in fine gravel rather than sand - will this kill it?
Title: Re: Nymphea lotus and root tabs
Post by: Matt on September 18, 2018, 05:03:09 AM
It will definitely survive if the bulb is healthy, even if you do get a temporary die off of the leaves.

Glad the root tabs worked for you  :cheers:  I would put some in the new locations too.

I can't see that the change of substrate or lighting would impact it too greatly either. The lighting may mean growth is slightly slower.