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Alternanthera and Fungusing Angel Eggs

Subject:  Alternanthera 

>I'm a little surprised. I've always seen Sunset Hygro sold as Hygro poly var.
>"Sunset", and always assumed it was a hygro. I've grown it for years side by
>side my Hyro poly and they grow almost identically. Now I know it's really
>Alternanthera sessilis. 

Someone, either on the list or in a store is confusing the two plants.  The
one you describe _is_ a variety of H. polysperma, and grows in the same
manner, although it is slightly less hardy.  Alternanthera is a completely
different beastie, and depending on the species can be scarlet red, dark
maroon or green.  The plants sold as "Hedge" are Alternanthera sp.  Very
few of them adapt to totally submerged life.  One of the best is
Alternanthera reineckii, which is a bright cherry red.  Even it requires
strong light and supplemental CO2 in my experience.

<talking of H.p. 'Sunset' again>

> I have seen it go
>emersed occasionally, and it does seem to require a bit more light than Hygro
>poly to do well.

I kept a nice pot of it growing emersed all summer by my barn door.  I just
soaked the soil every morning to make sure it stayed moist.  But it was
definitely growing in "potted plant" not bog conditions in half day full sun.

--------------------------

Subject: Safe way to prevent fungus on eggs?

>We are
>not certain that the eggs were even fertilized since the male spent the
>majority of his time chasing away other tank inhabitants, but the eggs did
>turn white and as they did so they were destroyed and eaten mostly by the
>male.  
>
>Now we are wondering if we can treat the breeding tank with anything that
>will prevent fungus and yet not harm our plants which are flourishing.
>Should we?  Any input would be very welcome.

Healthy viable eggs will not fungus.  It is possible, as you surmised, that
the male did not get them properly fertilized, either because of the
community tank situation, or due to inexperience. (It often takes several
false starts before a young pair get the whole sequence worked out
successfully)  It is also possible that you have two females spawning
together.  This is a very common occurrance.  Do not medicate your planted
tank.


Karen Randall
Aquatic Gardeners Association