First Ever Planted Tank Attempt/Journey

LavrisChica

New Member
Feb 4, 2022
2
3
0
USA
After what I thought was decent research (wink), I ended up purchasing a mini-small-leaf grass/plant seed from Amazon in January 2022. This is what I purchased:
PhotoGrid_seeds.jpg


January 22, 2022 I then began setup of Aumakua's new habitat using:
Plant-Shrimp Stratum.jpg
plant-shrimp stratum 2.jpg
and
Seachum Flourish.jpg


implementing string lights and a large plastic bag topper:
PhotoGrid_Plus_1643988178070.jpg


I mist twice a day with Flourish Water - at about day 4 or 5 I swapped out the string light's provided bulbs with regular daylight light bulbs because the original bulbs were not producing any heat.

First signs of life (Day 7/8) was actually a white cotton-like mold forming on the top of the stratum. UGH
After some research, aired out the tank for a few hours after every misting. This did not slow the mold\s growth at all.
After more research, began misting with Hydrogen Peroxide once a day and letting the tank air out for 4-6 hours.
Mold has seemed to not be phased with this action. Yikes!!

Day 14 (today):
Day 14.jpg


Some sprouts about 3 or so days old mixed in with the mold. Sigh. My day 14 looks like the seed company's day 3. IDK what exactly I did wrong to have these results.

I am scratching my head at this point.

Any suggestions? Do I need to start over? Is my stratum ruined? Will the mold hurt my sprouts?

TIA
 

Allwissend

Super Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
Lifetime Member
Jun 20, 2016
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www.intuitiveaqua.net
Hello Tia

sadly most of the seed packets are not for actual aquatic plants. The few that are, are actually for species that are not suitable for carpeting as shown in the image.

You can still use the substrate. Get some easy carpeting plants like Sagittaria subulata or Helanthium tenellum from your local fish store or order online. Add water to the aquarium and plant the individual aquatic plants removed from the pot. This will be an easy way to start your first planted aquarium carpet.

Regarding the light, it may be worth getting an aquarium light or a light that shines all the light down on the tank rather than spread it around the room.

Hope that helps. Feel free to ask any questions you have.
 

SDdave

New Member
May 24, 2022
26
3
3
South Dakota
personally, I never thought this chia-pet type landscaping seeds were ever viable. Especially when I've been told for years aqua compatible plants that are emerging or above water melt and loose their leaves to form new ones for under the water. I wouldn't worry about the mold. It would die out once under water.

Curious about how it turns out, so keep with it. I think people over exaggerate in their advertising. Temperature as well as light exposure effects the growth so you will not always get the exact results they advertise.
 
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