[APD] Re: Aquatic-Plants Digest, Vol 14, Issue 19

["Robert Flory" <wyogeo at astound_net>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <aquatic-plants-request at actwin_com>
To: <aquatic-plants at actwin_com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2004 8:06 PM
Subject: Aquatic-Plants Digest, Vol 14, Issue 19



> Message: 5
> Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 10:31:21 -0700
> From: John Van Rees <revjohn at spiritone_com>
> Subject: [APD] ferts on a new tank
> To: aquatic-plants at actwin_com
>
>
> Tom,
>
> I will step up here and wait your reply :-) The reason I would see it...
> would be the same as terrestrial plants and more like your lawn grass. If
> you water and feed your lawn grass too often, too much, there is no need
> for them to develop strong root systems... if they have to go hunt for
> water and food they will out of necessity and survival produce a better
> root system. If you would keep the ferts out of the new tank for a 
> while...
> it would translate to me that the result would be the same. If the ferts
> were in the water column the plants would have no need to produce a nice
> healthy root system.
>
> Make sense?
>
> John Van Rees

The problem with lawns, is that too frequent watering means the grass does 
not develop deep roots. With shallow roots, a couple of days without water, 
the soil dries out and the grass looks sad.  Less often deep watering means 
that the grass is forced to develop deeper roots to reach the water and 
consequently can survive dry spells better.

In an aquarium that isn't the case, however the bigger the plant the larger 
the root system that will be needed to supply enough nutrients.  A 
transplanted aquatic plant has a damaged root system and will need nutrients 
to repair the damage and support the foliage.

I agree with Tom, starving the plant doesn't make sense, anymore that 
transplanting a terrestrial plant and not fertilizing it or giving it enough 
water.  Typically you trim the terrestrial plant to compensate for the 
reduced amount of roots....other wise the plant doesn't get enough nutrients 
(and water) and wilts.  Why treat the aquatic plants any differently where 
fertilizer is concerned.

Bob 


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