DSM Candidates?

[Jim Miller]

I'm starting to do some planning for bringing up my 90g that I recently ordered. I'm interested in doing DSM for as many plants as practical.

Are there classes of plants that can be started in this way? I was thinking that if I knew what sort of plants that can be started this way that transition to aquatic then I could get a good start on the aquascape beyond just a front carpet.

I was thinking of using crypts, swords, grasses, vals, bacopa, annubias, etc for a start. Haven't thought about plants beyond that.

Thanks

Jim

 

[Tom Barr]

Vals are about the only ones that will not do well, some Egeria and a very very few others.
95% of the plants will grow well.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Jim Miller]

Do plants with rhizomes work as DSM candidates?

Also would adding some CO2 (along with some temporary aquarium tops to retain moisture) help the growout process? I think I remember enriched CO2 atmosphere being used in greenhouses as well.

Also I saw TB's post on DSM as means of establishing the substrate rather than the repeated wet/dry cycles of MTS and it looks like it could save me a bunch of time. I could actually get the tank plumbed and growing out the initial planting while working on the wooden surround for the steel stand.

Immediate gratification!

Thanks

Jim