Planting Cryptocoryne wendtii

[AmyKieran]

I’ve bought 10 stems of this plant, each with their individual root. For best survival in my rift lake cichlid tank, do I plant them individually or all together?

Thanks

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

The crypt itself won't mind being planted together or separately - although crypts are heavy root feeders, so it's easier to plant them in one bunch so you can stick a root tab in one spot rather than ten different spots.

I can't speak on plants surviving cichlids though I'm afraid...

 

[AmyKieran]

The crypt itself won't mind being planted together or separately - although crypts are heavy root feeders, so it's easier to plant them in one bunch so you can stick a root tab in one spot rather than ten different spots.

I can't speak on plants surviving cichlids though I'm afraid...

Great thanks plants surving cichlids is a pain in my backside

They have destroyed so far :

20 x valisneria spiralis
10 x ludwigia
10 x Nomaphila stricta
40 x Amazon frogbit

I’m trying again with the Nomaphila stricta today aswell as crypts with my gravel to sand change, I’ll also be trying floating hornwort

Wish me luck

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

Good luck!!
Have you considered a plant tank to propagate these plants on, then can try just trimmings in with the cichlids? Or keep half the crypts/half the nomaphila sticta in a propagation tub/tank, and the other half in with the cichlids?

 

[AmyKieran]

Good luck!!
Have you considered a plant tank to propagate these plants on, then can try just trimmings in with the cichlids? Or keep half the crypts/half the nomaphila sticta in a propagation tub/tank, and the other half in with the cichlids?

Well actually yes, I’ve been considering converting a little (less than 10l) vase into a nano aquarium. I could put them in there?

 

[Colin_T]

Are the cichlids eating the plants or just digging them up?

Water Sprite is a floating plant but can also be planted. if it gets dug up, it will simply float to the surface and live there.

Crypts are soft water plants and won't do well in a Rift Lake tank. They should have a tuber with leaves growing out of it. they are not normally sold as stem plants. If the tuber is black and soft, it is rotten and the Cryptocoryne will probably die.

Have you tried planting the plants in pots and covering the top of the pot with some netting to stop the fish digging up the substrate?
You cut a small hole in the middle of the netting so the plant can grow out but the fish can't get to the substrate in the pot.

 

[AmyKieran]

Are the cichlids eating the plants or just digging them up?

Water Sprite is a floating plant but can also be planted. if it gets dug up, it will simply float to the surface and live there.

Crypts are soft water plants and won't do well in a Rift Lake tank. They should have a tuber with leaves growing out of it. they are not normally sold as stem plants. If the tuber is black and soft, it is rotten and the Cryptocoryne will probably die.

Have you tried planting the plants in pots and covering the top of the pot with some netting to stop the fish digging up the substrate?
You cut a small hole in the middle of the netting so the plant can grow out but the fish can't get to the substrate in the pot.

The fish are just eating the leaves rather than digging up

 

[Slaphppy7]

The fish are just eating the leaves rather than digging up

Those crypts will be delicious, lol....hopefully not, but...

 

[Back in the fold]

@AmyKieran The Hornwort might be the only plant that can survive in Cichlid World. I have Microsorium pteropus Java Fern that is growing free floating , not attached to anything , and that , with its tough leaves , might be an answer. One thing about Cryptocorynes. When you read that they are slow growing , they really mean it.

 

[AmyKieran]

Those crypts will be delicious, lol....hopefully not, but...

Hopefully not lol I’ll update if they eat it, so far so good

 

[AmyKieran]

@AmyKieran The Hornwort might be the only plant that can survive in Cichlid World. I have Microsorium pteropus Java Fern that is growing free floating , not attached to anything , and that , with its tough leaves , might be an answer. One thing about Cryptocorynes. When you read that they are slow growing , they really mean it.

Great lol I’ve only got baby plants for now, the front of the stones, those little leaves are my cryptos lol

 

[Stan510]

Crypts need time to establish their root system. When they do? Then they are not slow growing.
One plant to try is Sagittaria, tough leaves and strong roots- best planted in between stones or larger rock as to stop being dug out by the cichlids.

 

[AmyKieran]

Crypts need time to establish their root system. When they do? Then they are not slow growing.
One plant to try is Sagittaria, tough leaves and strong roots- best planted in between stones or larger rock as to stop being dug out by the cichlids.

I’ll give it a go thanks

 

[Colin_T]

If they are eating leaves, add duckweed

 

[itiwhetu]

What are you feeding these fish and how often? I think they are bored, algae discs are always a good idea with Cichlids they give them something to play with.