Hi all,
As some of you may know I have tried multiple times to grow/maintain pogostemon helferi in my 220 with no success..Started many times with great mother crowns/stock from multiple sources and they would just melt away and shrink to nothing over time.
I had always suspected poor c02 and flow along with my brown thumb.....
Recently I had some success in the 220 with this species using better/stornger current and overall better c02/02/growth over the last 6 months in general since the swap to the wet/dry. So, I could grow it but still not as nice as others..or the imported stock.
Approx 2 months ago (Jan/3) I took a few runts I had and a few mothers from gsjmia and placed them in direct current/c02 from the filter outlet in my 57 gal. Since that time it has done well (by my previous standards LOL) and is has increased quite alot. The flow overall in this tank is better and it is much smaller as well in total area.
Yesterday I was able to split the single patch (now much larger) into two other sections equally as large! One I moved to the other side of the 57 to see if I can grow more and another section I am trying in a new spot in the 220. I pointed an outlet right at it so we shall see.
That said the growth could be larger but in the 57 is only getting 50 mmoles tops but you can see better current/flow against the leaves. I know Tom, HJ, and others use more light than that....
So, it has taken a bit to grow it well, but it is doing quite well (even objectively I think) overall and am quite pleased with my progress.
I have not used any gh booster or anything to change how I maintain the 220 or the 57. I think most if it is just better direct flow and 'better' c02 due to a smaller tank, less off gassing/surface area. Plus I use the same size nw pump on both tanks, so the 57 is overpowered and may have better c02. C02 on/off iight timings/duration/par is about equal in both tanks. Just the ATI in the 220...
Pics later. I forgot to get a before pic but you will see the 3 sections and know that the 2 new ones are from the original single one.
I am happiest that even though I was very frustrated and gave up on it several times, I persevered and can now claim some success as I hope you will see.
Nothing wrong with the water here at least.
That said, gh booster or other water quality improvements could certainly improve size but I would be happy if they stayed like this. They grow multiple daughters, get thick, stay nice and green, no loss of leaves, etc. You will see I hope.
Thanks for listening....
Here is a quote from Greg on Jan 3 after he brought over his cuttings...
I wasn't so sure but feel more confident now... Pics later when lights are on and plants are more 'awake'.
Plus is beautiful out and I see a 20 mile bike ride to the beach and back...then shoot some hoops later maybe.
Take care!!!!
As some of you may know I have tried multiple times to grow/maintain pogostemon helferi in my 220 with no success..Started many times with great mother crowns/stock from multiple sources and they would just melt away and shrink to nothing over time.
I had always suspected poor c02 and flow along with my brown thumb.....
Recently I had some success in the 220 with this species using better/stornger current and overall better c02/02/growth over the last 6 months in general since the swap to the wet/dry. So, I could grow it but still not as nice as others..or the imported stock.
Approx 2 months ago (Jan/3) I took a few runts I had and a few mothers from gsjmia and placed them in direct current/c02 from the filter outlet in my 57 gal. Since that time it has done well (by my previous standards LOL) and is has increased quite alot. The flow overall in this tank is better and it is much smaller as well in total area.
Yesterday I was able to split the single patch (now much larger) into two other sections equally as large! One I moved to the other side of the 57 to see if I can grow more and another section I am trying in a new spot in the 220. I pointed an outlet right at it so we shall see.
That said the growth could be larger but in the 57 is only getting 50 mmoles tops but you can see better current/flow against the leaves. I know Tom, HJ, and others use more light than that....
So, it has taken a bit to grow it well, but it is doing quite well (even objectively I think) overall and am quite pleased with my progress.
I have not used any gh booster or anything to change how I maintain the 220 or the 57. I think most if it is just better direct flow and 'better' c02 due to a smaller tank, less off gassing/surface area. Plus I use the same size nw pump on both tanks, so the 57 is overpowered and may have better c02. C02 on/off iight timings/duration/par is about equal in both tanks. Just the ATI in the 220...
Pics later. I forgot to get a before pic but you will see the 3 sections and know that the 2 new ones are from the original single one.
I am happiest that even though I was very frustrated and gave up on it several times, I persevered and can now claim some success as I hope you will see.
Nothing wrong with the water here at least.
That said, gh booster or other water quality improvements could certainly improve size but I would be happy if they stayed like this. They grow multiple daughters, get thick, stay nice and green, no loss of leaves, etc. You will see I hope.
Thanks for listening....
Here is a quote from Greg on Jan 3 after he brought over his cuttings...
Since you grow so many other plants successfully, I have no doubt you will defeat your nemesis.
I wasn't so sure but feel more confident now... Pics later when lights are on and plants are more 'awake'.
Plus is beautiful out and I see a 20 mile bike ride to the beach and back...then shoot some hoops later maybe.
Take care!!!!
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