Growing UG emersed

[ChadRamsey]

I have heard that UG will melt after flooding when grown with the DSM.

Is this valid?

If i keep the humidity HIGH in the tank, could this prevent mass melting?

Any tips would be great.

Thx
C

 

[Tom Barr]

Has not happened to me, but it grows faster by adding it from day one and filling the tank.

 

[ChadRamsey]

thx Tom

I have actually tried it before in an established tank and had trouble keeping it in the substrate. Within days $25 worth detached and floated off. So i thought that i would try it with your DSM to allow it to root well and spread a bit.

Any secrets or tips on keeping anchored down?

 

[Tom Barr]

I use about 1/2 plugs and you can see the 120 gal scaping thread on the Dutch something or another.
I detail the replanting method.

I have some growing emergent outside in a tray with wet aquasoil, it grows.......but not that fast IME.
It's going to town since I removed the rummy nose tetras.

Handled the API algaefix treatment and hair algae infestation nicely as well.
That's about the only algae that bothers UG also.

 

[ChadRamsey]

yup, read that thx.

So you have to be real aggresive on trimming UG to keep it from uprooting?


Is this because of the shallow root systems?

Are there any tricks and tips other than trimming to keep it from uprooting? I PLAN to have a ton og UG in this tank and my biggest feear is to come home to my carpet floating.

thx

 

[Tom Barr]

I never trim it.

I pull the rug, sell of the extras(generally 2/3rds of the rug..........and replant the last 1/3 back).

I replant and twist it back into the ADA AS deep. About 1/2 is in the soil vs out.
With some skill/care, you can really pack it in to the space.

 

[gsjmia]

I have had the same problem with UG, it starts to look nice, and then it rolls up into a free floating ball.

I spread it out about 1 inch apart, and then I get a couple of balls.

I have tried burying it deep (about 1 inch) until just the tips show-it grows fine for a while but then rolls up into the ball.

It is presently in Mr. Aqua soil from Henry, which is very light-I wonder if UG would do better in ADA Amazonica or a heavier soil? Or does it matter?

I bought it from carniverousplants.com, it was about $25 for a thumbnail portion. Maybe its a crappy cultivar-I will try to get some Tom stuff next time available.