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Re: Scientific information
Karen,
Hold on thar! Aquatic botanists have published reams of information on
the physiology and ecology of aquatic plants. Lots of it is applicable to
the culture of aquatic plants in the aquarium. Among the more
interesting, well proven data: Rooted aquatic plants grow best on a
mineral soil such as a silt loam with low organic matter. Rooted aquatic
plants require no N, P, S, or micronutrients in the water column when grown
on a fertile substrate. Rooted aquatic plants grow best when the
substrate is anaerobic ... in fact some roots will not produce root hairs
UNLESS the substrate is anaerobic. In most cases, it appears that
inorganic carbon limits growth of submerged aquatic plants... not because
it is too low in concentration or because the uptake mechanisms are
inefficient in aquatic plants (in fact both factors are comparable to
terrestrial plants), but because the diffusivity of CO2 in water is about
100,000 times slower in water than in air.
Aquatic plantsundergo cyclical growth, even under constant conditions.
This means that even under optimal conditions your plants will slow down
and maybe even die back every once in a while. etc.etc.etc.
dr dave.