Broadening of plants?

[Gilles]

Oke; i have this wierd issue; my plants have short packed leaves so my light is good; but they won't grow wide. My Limno Gigantea won't grow wider then 1-1.5" total width. My Blyxa does not grow taller then 2"

Light is 6x 54W T5 HO;
2x 3000K
2x 4000K
1x 6000K
1x 9000K

Light is on for about 9 hours per tube (2 tubes for 10 hours).
PH 6.2
KH 2.5 - 3

Giving me the following (calculated) CO2 values;
min: 32ppm
avg: 55ppm
max: 92ppm

Substrate? Plain sand with added peat/clay and (recently added) nutrient balls; partially injected traces in the bottom.

What is the problem? The limno is right in the outflow stream, which is moderate to low; plants do not move although every plant is thriving and bubbling.

 

[Tom Barr]

With good light and CO2, this should be a very undemanding plant to get 10-12 cm across. Even in a client's abused aquarium, this got 12 cm across.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Gilles]

Well something is limiting it. maybe PO4 / NO3 do you know anything about this for this plant?

 

[Tom Barr]

Well, it will remove water column nutrients at a break neck pace/speed.
It loves gentle current and CO2.

It's not picky.

It kept growing too fast and too large. I think lower light and limiting nutrients(PO4) would be best for long term care/usability.

Either that or be prepared to trim it every week.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Tom Barr]

I recall seeing this plant some years ago and wanting to try it etc, a nice dramatic large bright green stem plant that's large around. What the heck was I thinking?

Regards,
Tom Barr