Tempestuousfury
Fish Aficionado
Temperature
C = 5(F-32)
9
F = 9C + 32
5
Gallons
Length X Width X Height (in inches)
231
1000 cubic centimeters = 1 liter
1 liter of water weighs 1 kilogram
1 cubic foot of water = 6.23 imperial gallons
1 imperial gallon of water weighs10 lb
1 US gallon = .8 imperial gallon (approx)
1 US gallon weighs around 8 1/3 lb
1 imperial gallon = 4.55 liters
1 gallon = 3.64 liters
Plants
Type 1. Small floating plants, with or without short roots
Type 2. Larger floating plants with root systems which grow well into the water
and may, or may not, anchor into the substrate.
Type 3. Plants which root into the substrate and stay wholly underwater (with the
exception of flowers in some species).
Type 4. Plants with leaves partly above and partly below the water surface.
They invariably flower above the water surface.
Type 5. Marsh plants in which the root sock is submerged, the remainder of the
plant being above the water surface.
Types
Acorus gramineus Sweet Flag Type 3/4
General: Although typically a marsh plant, this species can be grown completely underwater in the aquarium. Leaves are stiff and grass-like and grow to 60cm (24 in) in length. One variety has attractive variegated leaves.
Distribution: Northeast Asia. (China, Japan)
Cultivation: Prefers strong light and humus in the substrate. Water conditions neutral to slightly acid (pH 7.0 – 6.5) and water hardness DH 10-20. Cannot tolerate high temperatures for long periods and is best suited to temperate aquaria (18-22°C). For propagation the rootstock can be divided.
Community: May be kept together with Cryptocoryne, Vallisneria, and Ceratpteris.
Anubias lanceolata Type 4
General: A marsh plant with dark green lanceolate leaves which are partly submerged and grow to about 20cm (8 in) long. The flower consists of a spadix enveloped within a green spathe.
Distribution: Central West Africa.
Cultivation: Best cultivated as a marsh plant in soft water. A sandy substrate containing loam is required and a temperature around 25°C will suit. It may be propagated by rootstock division.
Community: Grows well with Aponogeton, Vallisneria, Ceratopteris.
Aponogeton bernarianus Type 4
General: Like all Aponogeton species it has a tuberous rootstock, in this case some 2-3cm (1 in) in diameter. The long, dark green leaves are heavily veined in a lattice-like pattern which results in squarish “windows” where the leaf mesophyll has fallen out. Flowers, on pairs of small spikes, are pinkish in color.
Distribution: The island of Madagascar.
Cultivation: Plant the tubers in early spring in small flower-pots containing a mixture of equal parts of unwashed sand, charcoal and clay. Immerse in soft, shallow water (DH 3-5) which is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.5 – 7.0), at a temperature of 23-26°C. Allow the shoots to sprout well before transferring to the aquarium where they are best retained in their pots. Most Aponogeton species hibernate in the winter so potted plants can easily be moved into colder water (15 – 18 °C) for 2 or 3 months.
Community: Will tolerate other species of Aponogeton and Ceratopteris.
Aponogeton crispus Type 4
General: This species has a tuberous rootstock 2-4cm (1- 1½ in) in diameter. The leaves have wavy margins, are light green in color, and grow to about 30 cm (12 in) in length.
Distribution: Sri Lanka (Ceylon).
Cultivation: One of the easier species in the genus; will tolerate a range of water conditions and is thus widely popular with aquarists. The rootstock can be planted directly into the aquarium substrate. Keep at a temperature of about 22°C.
Community: Can be planted with some Crptocoryne species, other species of Aponogeton, Ceratopteris, and Acorus.
Aponogeton elongates Type 4
General: Leaves are similar in appearance to those of A. crispus but narrower, growing to about 25cm (10 in).
Distribution: Northern and Eastern Australia.
Cultivation: Another popular aquarium plant which will grow in water with a pH of 6.5 – 7.0. prefers medium intensity light.
Community: Will grow well with Vallisneria, Ceratophyllum, and Myriophyllum.
Bacopa amplexicaulis Giant Bacopa Type 4
General: Bacopa is a marsh plant which also does well in the aquarium. The erect stem grows to 60cm (24 in) in length and the small oval leaves are opposed. The small blue flowers appear above the water surface.
Distribution: Southern and Central USA.
Cultivation: Will tolerate the usual sand, peat, loam substrate well. It should be planted in bunches of several stems together. Water hardness should not exceed 10 DH and a temperature of 20°C is adequate. It is easy to propagate from cuttings.
Community: Tolerates Sagitarria, Ludwigia, Eldoa, and Myriophyllum.
Bacopa monniera Type 3/4
General: Smaller than the preceding species, this is perhaps more suited to the aquarium. The leaves are slightly darker in color.
Distribution: The old world tropics, Australia, southern Europe, southern USA.
Cultivation: Will tolerate a wide variety of temperatures from 15-25°C. Requires soft to medium-hard water and prefers a coarse substrate and strong light.
Community: Sagitarria, Ludwigia, Myriophyllum.
Barclaya longifolia Type 5
General: This beautiful plant has long, arrow-shaped, leaves of green with a reddish tinge. After growing from the rootstock, the leaves eventually float horizontally on the water surface. The flowers are about 2½cm (1 in) in diameter and purplish in color.
Distribution: Southeast Asia.
Cultivation: Not an easy species to cultivate but well worth the effort. Substrate should contain charcoal and clay. Perhaps best grown in pots. Water should be soft with a pH of 6.0 – 7.0 and DH 4-8. Temperature should not drop below 25°C and bottom heat is recommended.
Community: Best kept with plants which require similar conditions such as Cryptocoryne and Ceratopteris.
Cabomba aquatica Type 3
General: A very decorative aquarium plant with stems which can reach 200cm (78 in) in length—given the water depth. The dark grebe opposed leaves are divided into fine feathery segments. The yellow flowers bloom above the water surface and are accompanied with small circular floating leaves.
Distribution: Tropical South America.
Cultivation: This is a sensitive plant which requires meat and clay in the substrate. Water should be sift with a pH of 6.5 – 7.0 and the DH under 6. Temperature should not drop below 18°C and should average 24°C. This plant requires good lighting and responds well to broad-spectrum fluorescent bulbs. It may be propagated by top cuttings.
Community: Not very tolerant towards other plants and are best grown on their own.
Ceratophyllum demersum Hornwort Type 3
General: This species and the closely related C. submersum are popular with cold-water aquarists. The leaves are feathery and very delicate. Stalks may grow to 150cm (60 in) in length buth aquarium depth regulates growth. A totally submersed plant which flowers below the water surface,
Distribution: Cosmopolitan.
Cultivation: Prefers a fairly dense substrate with clay. Water should be hard with a pH of 8.0 – 8.5 and a DH of 15-30. This plant does best at temperatures below 18°C.
Community: Best kept with plants that tolerate lower temperatures such as Vallisneria.
Ceratopteris thalictroides Water Sprite Type 2 and 3
Geberal: This aquatic fern comes in two forms: one of which floats freely on the surface, the other roots into the substrate. The fine fern-like leaves are brittle and grow to about 70cm (28 in) in length.
Distribution: Found throughout the tropics.
Cultivation: This popular aquarium plant is fast growing given the correct conditions including acid water of pH 5.5-6.5 and DH well under 10. Peat and loam in the substrate is a necessity as is strong light. Propagation is easy from offsets. Temperature best in the region of 25°C.
Community: Suitable for growing with Acorus, Cabomba, Cryptocoryne, Limnophila, and Ludwigia.
Cryptocoryne affinis Type 4
General: The genus Cryptocoryne contains a large number of species suitable as aquarium plants. C. affinis has leaves which are dark green on the upper surface and wine red beneath. They grow to about 15cm (6 in) in length. The flower consists of a spadix and a spathe.
Distibution: Tropical Sotheast Asia.
Cultivation: Will grow in a medium containing peat and loam. Water should be soft, about 5 DH, with a pH value of 6.0 – 7.0. C. affinis is probably the hardiest of the genus and will tolerate a temperature as low as 18°C but is happier at an average of 24°C. A heated substrate is also beneficial for all Cryptocoryne species and they require a medium light source. This species may be propagated by plantlets which emerge from root runners.
Community: Other Cryptocoryne species, Acorus, Ceratopteris, Hygrophila, and Limnophila.
Cryptocoryne balansae Type 4
General: One of the larger Cyptocoryne species, the wavy, light green leaves of which will grow to a length of 40cm (16 in). The flower is a spathe some 10cm (4 in) long with a purplish tinge.
Distribution: Indo-China.
Cultivation: Similar to C. affinis, but requires deeper water. Strong light will result in the leaves taking on a purplish tinge. Propagation by lateral shoots.
Community: Other Cryptocoryne species, Acorus, Microsium.
Cryptocoryne nevillii Type 4
General: This is one of the shorter species, very suitable for foreground planting as it rarely grows longer than 7.5cm (3 in). It spreads very quickly via lateral shoots and, given the correct treatment, will form an attractive grove.
Distribution: Sri Lanka (Ceylon).
Cultivation: Plant in a substrate containing peat and loam. It takes some time to settle but is hardy once it is established. Will tolerate a pH range of 6.5 – 8.0 and a DH of 8, with a temperature around 24°C.
Community: Can be used for foreground planting in tanks with water around neutral.
Cryptocoryne wendtii Type 4
General: A medium sized species with broad green leaves 15cm (6 in) in length. Provides a nice contrast to some of the narrower leaved varieties.
Distribution:
Glossary
Arenchyma: A form of plant tissue with numerous air spaces between the cells; found mainly in aquatic plants to which it gives buoyancy.
Annual: A plant which completes its life cycle in one season.
Aquaculture: The science of cultivation of aquatic plants.
Binomial system: The use of generic and specific scientific names in the classification of plants (and animals) devised by Carl Linnaeus.
Chemical prostration: A buildup of chemical content to a dangerous level due to the continual topping up of an aquarium with hard water.
Chlorophyll: The green pigment of plants which absorbs light and assists in photosynthesis.
Chloroplast: Small bodies within the cytoplasm of green plant cells, which hold the chlorophyll and assist in the process of photosynthesis.
Diaphotrophic: Describing the situation in which parts of green plants grow horizontally to the light source.
Ecology: The study of living organisms in relation to each other and the environment.
Endodermis: An inner layer of living cells usually surrounding the vascular tissue of plants.
Epidermis: The outer layer of cells in plants.
Heterophylly: The state of bearing leaves of more than one shape or function on the same plant.
Hydrometer: A floating instrument for measuring the specific gravity of fluids.
Lanceolate: Lance-shaped, as usually applied to foliage leaves.
Mesophyll: The green tissue between the epidermal layers of the leaf.
Offset: A shoot which grows form the base of some plants and readily forms a new plant.
Opposed: Paired-leaves which grow on opposite sides of the stem.
Perennial: a plant which lives three or more seasons.
Photoperiod: the length of daylight to which many organisms respond.
Photosynthesis: The formation of organic substances from water and carbon dioxide via chlorophyll and the energy of sunlight.
Physiology: The study of the internal functions of plants and animals.
Reproduction: The act of producing more individuals of the same species.
Rhizome: Horizontal growing systems under or partly underground which may be slender and quick-growing or fleshy and acting as a storage organ.
Rosette: A rose-shaped collection of leaves on a very short stem.
Runner: Stem running along the ground horizontally and forming new plants at the leaf nodes.
Spadix: A flower consisting of a thick fleshy spike surrounded by a spathe.
Spathe: A bract or leaf surrounding a spadix.
Stolon: An aerial (or aquatic) shoot that bends to the substrate and roots at its tip, forming a new plant.
Taxonomy: The science of classification of plants (and animals).
Tuber: Underground storage organs consisting of swollen stems or roots.
C = 5(F-32)
9
F = 9C + 32
5
Gallons
Length X Width X Height (in inches)
231
1000 cubic centimeters = 1 liter
1 liter of water weighs 1 kilogram
1 cubic foot of water = 6.23 imperial gallons
1 imperial gallon of water weighs10 lb
1 US gallon = .8 imperial gallon (approx)
1 US gallon weighs around 8 1/3 lb
1 imperial gallon = 4.55 liters
1 gallon = 3.64 liters
Plants
Type 1. Small floating plants, with or without short roots
Type 2. Larger floating plants with root systems which grow well into the water
and may, or may not, anchor into the substrate.
Type 3. Plants which root into the substrate and stay wholly underwater (with the
exception of flowers in some species).
Type 4. Plants with leaves partly above and partly below the water surface.
They invariably flower above the water surface.
Type 5. Marsh plants in which the root sock is submerged, the remainder of the
plant being above the water surface.
Types
Acorus gramineus Sweet Flag Type 3/4
General: Although typically a marsh plant, this species can be grown completely underwater in the aquarium. Leaves are stiff and grass-like and grow to 60cm (24 in) in length. One variety has attractive variegated leaves.
Distribution: Northeast Asia. (China, Japan)
Cultivation: Prefers strong light and humus in the substrate. Water conditions neutral to slightly acid (pH 7.0 – 6.5) and water hardness DH 10-20. Cannot tolerate high temperatures for long periods and is best suited to temperate aquaria (18-22°C). For propagation the rootstock can be divided.
Community: May be kept together with Cryptocoryne, Vallisneria, and Ceratpteris.
Anubias lanceolata Type 4
General: A marsh plant with dark green lanceolate leaves which are partly submerged and grow to about 20cm (8 in) long. The flower consists of a spadix enveloped within a green spathe.
Distribution: Central West Africa.
Cultivation: Best cultivated as a marsh plant in soft water. A sandy substrate containing loam is required and a temperature around 25°C will suit. It may be propagated by rootstock division.
Community: Grows well with Aponogeton, Vallisneria, Ceratopteris.
Aponogeton bernarianus Type 4
General: Like all Aponogeton species it has a tuberous rootstock, in this case some 2-3cm (1 in) in diameter. The long, dark green leaves are heavily veined in a lattice-like pattern which results in squarish “windows” where the leaf mesophyll has fallen out. Flowers, on pairs of small spikes, are pinkish in color.
Distribution: The island of Madagascar.
Cultivation: Plant the tubers in early spring in small flower-pots containing a mixture of equal parts of unwashed sand, charcoal and clay. Immerse in soft, shallow water (DH 3-5) which is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.5 – 7.0), at a temperature of 23-26°C. Allow the shoots to sprout well before transferring to the aquarium where they are best retained in their pots. Most Aponogeton species hibernate in the winter so potted plants can easily be moved into colder water (15 – 18 °C) for 2 or 3 months.
Community: Will tolerate other species of Aponogeton and Ceratopteris.
Aponogeton crispus Type 4
General: This species has a tuberous rootstock 2-4cm (1- 1½ in) in diameter. The leaves have wavy margins, are light green in color, and grow to about 30 cm (12 in) in length.
Distribution: Sri Lanka (Ceylon).
Cultivation: One of the easier species in the genus; will tolerate a range of water conditions and is thus widely popular with aquarists. The rootstock can be planted directly into the aquarium substrate. Keep at a temperature of about 22°C.
Community: Can be planted with some Crptocoryne species, other species of Aponogeton, Ceratopteris, and Acorus.
Aponogeton elongates Type 4
General: Leaves are similar in appearance to those of A. crispus but narrower, growing to about 25cm (10 in).
Distribution: Northern and Eastern Australia.
Cultivation: Another popular aquarium plant which will grow in water with a pH of 6.5 – 7.0. prefers medium intensity light.
Community: Will grow well with Vallisneria, Ceratophyllum, and Myriophyllum.
Bacopa amplexicaulis Giant Bacopa Type 4
General: Bacopa is a marsh plant which also does well in the aquarium. The erect stem grows to 60cm (24 in) in length and the small oval leaves are opposed. The small blue flowers appear above the water surface.
Distribution: Southern and Central USA.
Cultivation: Will tolerate the usual sand, peat, loam substrate well. It should be planted in bunches of several stems together. Water hardness should not exceed 10 DH and a temperature of 20°C is adequate. It is easy to propagate from cuttings.
Community: Tolerates Sagitarria, Ludwigia, Eldoa, and Myriophyllum.
Bacopa monniera Type 3/4
General: Smaller than the preceding species, this is perhaps more suited to the aquarium. The leaves are slightly darker in color.
Distribution: The old world tropics, Australia, southern Europe, southern USA.
Cultivation: Will tolerate a wide variety of temperatures from 15-25°C. Requires soft to medium-hard water and prefers a coarse substrate and strong light.
Community: Sagitarria, Ludwigia, Myriophyllum.
Barclaya longifolia Type 5
General: This beautiful plant has long, arrow-shaped, leaves of green with a reddish tinge. After growing from the rootstock, the leaves eventually float horizontally on the water surface. The flowers are about 2½cm (1 in) in diameter and purplish in color.
Distribution: Southeast Asia.
Cultivation: Not an easy species to cultivate but well worth the effort. Substrate should contain charcoal and clay. Perhaps best grown in pots. Water should be soft with a pH of 6.0 – 7.0 and DH 4-8. Temperature should not drop below 25°C and bottom heat is recommended.
Community: Best kept with plants which require similar conditions such as Cryptocoryne and Ceratopteris.
Cabomba aquatica Type 3
General: A very decorative aquarium plant with stems which can reach 200cm (78 in) in length—given the water depth. The dark grebe opposed leaves are divided into fine feathery segments. The yellow flowers bloom above the water surface and are accompanied with small circular floating leaves.
Distribution: Tropical South America.
Cultivation: This is a sensitive plant which requires meat and clay in the substrate. Water should be sift with a pH of 6.5 – 7.0 and the DH under 6. Temperature should not drop below 18°C and should average 24°C. This plant requires good lighting and responds well to broad-spectrum fluorescent bulbs. It may be propagated by top cuttings.
Community: Not very tolerant towards other plants and are best grown on their own.
Ceratophyllum demersum Hornwort Type 3
General: This species and the closely related C. submersum are popular with cold-water aquarists. The leaves are feathery and very delicate. Stalks may grow to 150cm (60 in) in length buth aquarium depth regulates growth. A totally submersed plant which flowers below the water surface,
Distribution: Cosmopolitan.
Cultivation: Prefers a fairly dense substrate with clay. Water should be hard with a pH of 8.0 – 8.5 and a DH of 15-30. This plant does best at temperatures below 18°C.
Community: Best kept with plants that tolerate lower temperatures such as Vallisneria.
Ceratopteris thalictroides Water Sprite Type 2 and 3
Geberal: This aquatic fern comes in two forms: one of which floats freely on the surface, the other roots into the substrate. The fine fern-like leaves are brittle and grow to about 70cm (28 in) in length.
Distribution: Found throughout the tropics.
Cultivation: This popular aquarium plant is fast growing given the correct conditions including acid water of pH 5.5-6.5 and DH well under 10. Peat and loam in the substrate is a necessity as is strong light. Propagation is easy from offsets. Temperature best in the region of 25°C.
Community: Suitable for growing with Acorus, Cabomba, Cryptocoryne, Limnophila, and Ludwigia.
Cryptocoryne affinis Type 4
General: The genus Cryptocoryne contains a large number of species suitable as aquarium plants. C. affinis has leaves which are dark green on the upper surface and wine red beneath. They grow to about 15cm (6 in) in length. The flower consists of a spadix and a spathe.
Distibution: Tropical Sotheast Asia.
Cultivation: Will grow in a medium containing peat and loam. Water should be soft, about 5 DH, with a pH value of 6.0 – 7.0. C. affinis is probably the hardiest of the genus and will tolerate a temperature as low as 18°C but is happier at an average of 24°C. A heated substrate is also beneficial for all Cryptocoryne species and they require a medium light source. This species may be propagated by plantlets which emerge from root runners.
Community: Other Cryptocoryne species, Acorus, Ceratopteris, Hygrophila, and Limnophila.
Cryptocoryne balansae Type 4
General: One of the larger Cyptocoryne species, the wavy, light green leaves of which will grow to a length of 40cm (16 in). The flower is a spathe some 10cm (4 in) long with a purplish tinge.
Distribution: Indo-China.
Cultivation: Similar to C. affinis, but requires deeper water. Strong light will result in the leaves taking on a purplish tinge. Propagation by lateral shoots.
Community: Other Cryptocoryne species, Acorus, Microsium.
Cryptocoryne nevillii Type 4
General: This is one of the shorter species, very suitable for foreground planting as it rarely grows longer than 7.5cm (3 in). It spreads very quickly via lateral shoots and, given the correct treatment, will form an attractive grove.
Distribution: Sri Lanka (Ceylon).
Cultivation: Plant in a substrate containing peat and loam. It takes some time to settle but is hardy once it is established. Will tolerate a pH range of 6.5 – 8.0 and a DH of 8, with a temperature around 24°C.
Community: Can be used for foreground planting in tanks with water around neutral.
Cryptocoryne wendtii Type 4
General: A medium sized species with broad green leaves 15cm (6 in) in length. Provides a nice contrast to some of the narrower leaved varieties.
Distribution:
Glossary
Arenchyma: A form of plant tissue with numerous air spaces between the cells; found mainly in aquatic plants to which it gives buoyancy.
Annual: A plant which completes its life cycle in one season.
Aquaculture: The science of cultivation of aquatic plants.
Binomial system: The use of generic and specific scientific names in the classification of plants (and animals) devised by Carl Linnaeus.
Chemical prostration: A buildup of chemical content to a dangerous level due to the continual topping up of an aquarium with hard water.
Chlorophyll: The green pigment of plants which absorbs light and assists in photosynthesis.
Chloroplast: Small bodies within the cytoplasm of green plant cells, which hold the chlorophyll and assist in the process of photosynthesis.
Diaphotrophic: Describing the situation in which parts of green plants grow horizontally to the light source.
Ecology: The study of living organisms in relation to each other and the environment.
Endodermis: An inner layer of living cells usually surrounding the vascular tissue of plants.
Epidermis: The outer layer of cells in plants.
Heterophylly: The state of bearing leaves of more than one shape or function on the same plant.
Hydrometer: A floating instrument for measuring the specific gravity of fluids.
Lanceolate: Lance-shaped, as usually applied to foliage leaves.
Mesophyll: The green tissue between the epidermal layers of the leaf.
Offset: A shoot which grows form the base of some plants and readily forms a new plant.
Opposed: Paired-leaves which grow on opposite sides of the stem.
Perennial: a plant which lives three or more seasons.
Photoperiod: the length of daylight to which many organisms respond.
Photosynthesis: The formation of organic substances from water and carbon dioxide via chlorophyll and the energy of sunlight.
Physiology: The study of the internal functions of plants and animals.
Reproduction: The act of producing more individuals of the same species.
Rhizome: Horizontal growing systems under or partly underground which may be slender and quick-growing or fleshy and acting as a storage organ.
Rosette: A rose-shaped collection of leaves on a very short stem.
Runner: Stem running along the ground horizontally and forming new plants at the leaf nodes.
Spadix: A flower consisting of a thick fleshy spike surrounded by a spathe.
Spathe: A bract or leaf surrounding a spadix.
Stolon: An aerial (or aquatic) shoot that bends to the substrate and roots at its tip, forming a new plant.
Taxonomy: The science of classification of plants (and animals).
Tuber: Underground storage organs consisting of swollen stems or roots.
