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Re: Complaint about Flourite
In response to James Purchase:
> This doesn't sound like a problem with the Flourite - I don't think that
> anyone should complain that a particular substrate fosters an extensive
root
> system in stem plants. From what you have written, it sounds like your
> "problem", if indeed one exists, is one of tank management (i.e. how you
are
> rearranging your plantings). Some stem plants DO form extensive and
invasive
> root systems - that's the nature of the beast. If it is causing a problem,
> put the offending plants in a buried clay pot which will serve to contain
> the root system.
>
Refer to the
;-) portion of my post.
Much of this was in jest. I guess I was praising the wonders of Flourite,
rather than complaining. I was confused about some of the issues related to
this, but unfortunately, my questions went unnoticed because it appeared I
was complaining about something (extensive plant roots) which we'd all
probaby agree is really desirable in our tanks.
> Again, what's the problem? If you have _some_ stem plantss which either
> rotted off at the base, or failed to take root in the Flourite, I would
tend
> to lay the blame on your planting technique rather than the substrate - it
> is quite common for stem plant cuttings to fail to set root if the cut end
> is crushed, either when the cutting is made or when it is inserted into the
> substrate.
Mainly it was the bottom leaves of the r. macranda which had developed holes
and appeared to be rotting. I don't know why the tops would be so healthy,
red and vibrant, and the lower half of the stem (leaves only) would be
rotted, especially with such a massive root system. It could be that lighting
and (water column) fertilization regiment changed halfway throughout the
growth of the entire stem, but I have no answers. I just wondered how a plant
can appear unhealthy when the roots are obviously grown out enough to be
taking in the nutrients the plant needs, _directly from the substrate_. I'm
not blaming the flourite for this--I'm crediting flourite with the extensive
rooting, but trying to say it will not fix all ills. The tank still needs
some work.
>
> Crypts are slow growers and take a considerable amount of time to develop
> massive root systems. It is unfair to compare the root system on a recently
> planted Crypt and a fast growing stem plant. Apples and oranges. Likewise,
> the root system on Anubias is there more as a holdfast than anything else
> (although I'm sure that they can absorb nutrients through their roots).
>
I also have swords and stem plants in this tank and never observed such
profuse rooting.
> If you are conceeding that the "problem" might be caused by other factors
> not related to the substrate, why blame the Flourite?
>
I'm giving credit to the flourite. It's certainly not due to any expertise on
my part.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my post, though. Any
comments/suggestions about my questions?
Sylvia