Any ideas for non-green bkgrd plant for 2ft?

[stocker]

Hi all,

Thinking of a non-green (or at least partially non-green) background plant to brighten up low-maint (<=1.5wpg) 2ft tank (so cannot be too big). Any ideas welcomed!

with the given lightings, you might want to try Rotala indica.. but make sure the bottom gets the light too. Or you can consider C. balansae, slightly brownish.. good for background

[Aeon]

Rotala Wallichii is green - red and ain't hard to keep.

[stocker]

Thanks Aeon and whoever edited my post and put his/her reply there! But I looked through the AQ database and it seens the Rotala specis need "full sun" (above 3wpg)? So you think my level of lighting can maintain the "non-greeness"?

BTW, for C Balansae, when the leaves get too long for the tank, how is it trimmed? the whole leaf cut from the "stem" at the bottom?

Thanks, stilll learning...

[lorba]

C. Balansae is long and in my opinion unsuitable for a small 2ft. Unless you are purposely creating the effect of over hanging leaf, try something else.

Planting the background does not means you can only use 'Background plants', which usually means tall plants. Try elevating drift woods, with or without java fern (or other plants) tied to it. YOu can create pretty nice effects using this method alone.

[Aeon]

Amano's tanks are a good source of inspiration for laying out.

[juggler]

Can try red Barclaya longifolia. Their leaves are broader and can cover the background.

[stocker]

How abt the Ludwigia series? I read that they only require "medium" (from tropica.com) light and the Ludwigia glandulosa is red even in low light. However, I'm just afraid they may not like no CO2 injection in this low-maint tank...

[bclee]

Try Cryptocoryne sp like C. undulata or C. Wendtii, they have nice brownish colour and grow to height just right for a 2-footer.

BC

[TanVincent]

Would say C.Undulata is my choice

Cheers
Vincent

[stocker]

Thanks Vincent and Bclee,

I think your suggesstions are very good, will seriously consider them. I suppose they can be got from Teos or Ah Pek's. Any sure way of asking for them?

BTW, i had asked abt a certain plant at Ah Pek's before, the guy told me must order and come back next day to collect, I wonder where they got it from, they have another farm somewhere?

[TanVincent]

Could be Oriental Plant Farm...

Not accessible to public..

Cheers
Vincent