Replacing C. balansae with C. helferi?

[George Farmer]

My crypt balansae is going mad in my 125 l. (33 gal.). The leaves are over 3 foot long now.

I've always liked the look of Cyperus helferi with its finer, smooth leaves.

I was thinking - rather than cause a disaster by uprooting all the balansae, could I simply cut the leaves off at the roots? And let the roots do there own thing - rot or whatever, perhaps sprout new leaves that I simply keep cutting back.

I've read on the Tropica website that this is a recommended method.

If plants are to be removed from the aquarium, cut the plants at the plant/root transition to avoid the plant substrate mixing with the water. Plant roots are left in the bottom layer. They are quickly broken down, so providing nutrition to other plants in the aquarium.

Any tips for Cyperus helferi? Will I need to boost my light from 1wpg...?

Does it like flow?

I have good CO2, substrate and ferts.

 

[VaughnH]

Crypts grow so well and come back so well when the leaves die back, I doubt that cutting all of the leave off would do more than temporarily slow down the growth. But, what I really think is that is a spectactular tank and an even better photo. Let me guess: you photoshopped yourself taking the photo into the photo?

 

[George Farmer]

Ha, ha. Thanks, Hoppy.

That is not me but a fellow founder of the UK Aquatic Plant Society, Graeme Edwards. It was taken during our first ever "real" (as opposed to the Internet) meeting. If you're interested you can see us here - UK Aquatic Plant Society Main Website

It's thanks mostly to Tom Barr that it all started, actually...

Anyway, I digress.

I have been given a tip about using a knife or pastry cutter to cut the crypt roots, then simply pull out the plant.

I will miss the balansae, it is awesome! I may start by losing just the one side first and replacing that.

Thanks again.

 

[Tom Barr]

C helfeni will get too big, but a little bushier than C balansae(must have 24" or taller tank for this "weed").

I'd opt for something else.

Consider Rotala Green for those sides.
They make nice bunches that can be pruned to look very aesthetic.
Hygros also.

These are not grassy plants, but..........
E vivipara is also an option.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[George Farmer]

Thanks, Tom.

I did consider Rotala sp. "Green", as I'm keen to use the scissors again after almost 12 months...

I'd need to up the lighting though, it's only 2 x18w T8. I have another 2 x 18w fixture spare (takes me to 2wpg).

Hmmm.