Journal Ben's Plant Pharm 2.0

[BenB]

The rare and mysterious Sri Lankan Underwater Agave wonder if you can make tequila with it

I didn't know they were called that. Its perfect. I kept thinking like aloe or some succulent.

If you want to get rid of it, I'll buy it!

Not yet. That was one or the reasons I don't want to get rid of it, it was expensive. We'll see how it goes.

 

[Koan]

I didn't know they were called that

no I made that up. Apparently the name is Resilient Paw-Head

(Eriocaulon cuspidatum) - Botanical Realm

Eriocaulon cuspidatum, commonly known as the Resilient Paw-Head, is a fascinating aquatic perennial that captivates nature lovers and scientists alike. Part

www.botanicalrealm.com

still sounds like there was tequila involved somewhere

 

[BenB]

Seems like every time I get to this point lately, it goes to hell. But for now, the tank is doing pretty good, and the remaining algae is on the run.

To recap, since the last time my tank was doing well, I got some nightmarish algae, see last post, that isn’t a regular aquarium algae but only can be described at Satan's pubes. It’s been a nightmare. As you can see, about all there is left is the bit in front in the Eriocaulons that you just can’t trim and replant like other plants. I’ve tossed most of the plants I couldn't get the algae out of, but Blood Vomit is so difficult to find and the other Erios are also or aren’t cheap. So I’m trying to keep those going.

I wish I could pinpoint and tell you what I did to remedy it, but I did a bunch of things. I went to daily fert dosing, increase my micros, daily hand picking of the algae out of the leaves, added shrimp, and increased my trimming, topping, and replanting. One tip, I use Burr Micros. If you get a precipitation, that’s OK. They’re still fine, but you have to shake it. And I don’t mean a little swish. You have to treat it like it owes you rent, and you haven’t been laid in a month. Go crazy on it.

I still don’t have much of an aquascape yet, but as things improve, I’m working in that direction.

I mean, in the process here, I actually stunted Rotala Blood Red. How? It grows overnight. Can’t believe I stunted it.

I have a new top favorite plant. The Rotala “Mochi”? I got from @Burr740. Most of the nice stems plants you see in back came from him. The Mochi is in the midground on the right side.

 

[Burr740]

Mochi...haha. Youre only off one letter its Rotala macrandra 'Kochi'. Those look good. It stays primarily yellow but can also get red splotches of varying sizr including a strip going through the leaves. Not sure what makes it have more/less of that. Hardy plant in general, loves macros

 

[JayP]

One tip, I use Burr Micros. If you get a precipitation, that’s OK. They’re still fine, but you have to shake it. And I don’t mean a little swish. You have to treat it like it owes you rent, and you haven’t been laid in a month. Go crazy on it.

I've previously asked about this after reading Joe's instructions. It's concerning because I'm moving to this starting with the next tank but I use auto dosers and don't want to worry about shaking up bottles of ferts everyday. Once a week, I can handle.

 

[JayP]

Mochi...haha. Youre only off one letter its Rotala macrandra 'Kochi'. Those look good. It stays primarily yellow but can also get red splotches of varying sizr including a strip going through the leaves. Not sure what makes it have more/less of that. Hardy plant in general, loves macros

Mine get the splotches which is what attracted me to them. Great plant.

 

[BenB]

I've previously asked about this after reading Joe's instructions. It's concerning because I'm moving to this starting with the next tank but I use auto dosers and don't want to worry about shaking up bottles of ferts everyday. Once a week, I can handle.

@Naturescapes_Rocco told me he has switched to Joe's DIY kit because of this. I wonder if you measure out your water first and then added your powder, while stirring, if it would decreases the chances of precip.

Mine get the splotches which is what attracted me to them. Great plant.

I'm not sure I've seen that. That would be cool. I'm on my second or third trimming. The plants are getting very healthy. Maybe it will pop up with mine soon. I'm going to post a pic.

 

[BenB]

A pic of Joe's Kochi

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco]

I've previously asked about this after reading Joe's instructions. It's concerning because I'm moving to this starting with the next tank but I use auto dosers and don't want to worry about shaking up bottles of ferts everyday. Once a week, I can handle.

You can also consider magnetic stirrers that run beforehand. Or, just make your own micros and don't worry about it!

 

[JayP]

You can also consider magnetic stirrers that run beforehand. Or, just make your own micros and don't worry about it!

I really don't want to have to resort to the magnetic stirrers and I already have bags of Joe's macros and micros. I'll figure it out.

 

[BenB]

Trying to work on my photography a bit. Still lots to learn there.
Getting a touch of cyano mostly in the growth tips of plants. The nightmare algae is almost gone except for on a few slow growing things like Erios and Blood Vomit where I can't really aggressively trim it.
It should be in good shape just in time for me to go on vacation in 2 weeks and it all go to hell again.