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My 40G (36"Long x 20"Tall x 12"Deep) is about 20 inches tall. My vals tend to take over, but stop growing and desintegrate if I trim them. Also, mine don't grow fast enough to replace the ones I trim if I trim them all the way back. The problem with NOT trimming them is that they stagnate the water and reduce oxygen levels. Some of the ones that I haven't trimmed back look to be over 4 feet long.

Is there a way to trim them so they don't die back? or Is there a better backround plant that I can either trim back without causing harm to the plant or will stop growing at the surface or in the range of 15 - 20 inches without taking up too much of my tank's depth? A fast grower would be nice, because I'm fighting off the algea, but not necessary.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Hi,
I've seen two ways to "trim" Vals. One was just snip off
the tops at whatever level you wanted them to be.
The other was to snip off the outer leaves, leaving the
central (newer/younger) leaves to continue growing.
I recomend & prefer the latter. I trim off the outer
blades and leave the younger, inner ones to grow.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

mattyboombatty

I have not grown Vals for many years. What I was doing is what Frank recommended by removing the outer older and usualy longest leaves.

I did try both methods but prefered to remove the outer leaves.

Keith

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Thanks Keith and Frank,

I will try this method out and see if my plants can send out new shoots fast enough to replace the ones I cut back.

I ended up getting that diffuser together as I was able to "borrow" an old 301 from my friend. It's up and running now, so hopefully I will see an end to the nasty algea and my vals will keep up with the trimming (or maybe outpace it).

Thanks,
matt

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

You can use aponogeton crispus as a background plant. It will grow to 20 inches with 6 inches of width. To view the plant and to see particular information about the plant go to http://www.tropica.com

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

Hey Bob that was a pretty good website. I can't believe I've never been to that one. Since I got my diffuser running I've noticed a small amount of pearling from my vals. I think I might be sticking with them if they keep up with the clippings. Thanks for the great website though!


Matt

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

You're very welcome. I love the Tropica website and frequently use it for reference. My visits have grown so frequent that I am starting to think of temps in Centigrade and lengths in centimeters.

Another nice choice for background plants is crypt. balansae.

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

Looks like a cool plant that would probably do well in my tank, but I have never seen that plant sold in my area, unless it's sold under a different common name or something.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Try this site:

http://www.azgardens.com/crypts.php

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

Well that would be a great site but I don't generally have $65 all at one time like that. Minimum order of $35 + $25 shipping + $5 handling. Whew Maybe if I were just starting up a planted tank, but I think I'll wait to see if the lfs ever gets them in.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Talk nice to them. Say things like, "I understand c. crisputulata balansae is a hot seller. I know I would buy some..."

Oftentimes the LFS owner gets into a rut on plants. You know, he just orders the amazon swords, wisteria and vallisneria. Give him (or her) an idea of what you are looking for so (s)he can work you into the next order.

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright