Billybob Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 So when I used to cultivate CPs a few years ago, I had a problem with algae gumming up the water. I mentioned it on here, and one member very kindly sent me some of this water plant which floated on the water and somehow meant no algae could grow. I can't for the life of me remember what it was called, it sounded similar to "Salvia" I think (except obviously it wasn't actually Salvia!). Does anyone else use this stuff/know what its called? Even better, does anyone know where I might be able to get some? I hope I've posted this in the right place, mods! Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markus Berg Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 Hello, I'm pretty sure that the plant you mean is a Salvinia species, this is a sort of floating fern. Especially Salvinia natans is a easy to grow plant that you should get in most aquarium-supply stores, maybe also in some garden-markets. The plant may help if there are too much nutrients in the water that causes algae to grow, but Salvinia also can easily overgrow other plants, in some countries (like Australia) this is a invasive weed. Another plant that could be used is Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce). I hope I could help you a bit. Best Regards Markus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mobile Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 I have Riccia, which is a common aquarium plant, and U. gibba in a water tray on a bright windowsill and the water never gets algae. I think it's possibly due to these soaking up the nutrients. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billybob Posted February 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 Amazing guys, thank you. I googled Salvinia and that's exactly what they were! As luck would have it, there are some living in a puddle near me which I'll comandeer a sample of soon :) Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenofeden Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 Amazing guys, thank you. I googled Salvinia and that's exactly what they were! As luck would have it, there are some living in a puddle near me which I'll comandeer a sample of soon :) Cheers! really, you sure they are Salvinia growing outside? they are tropicak plants and need a fair temperature to do well..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johns Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 Not all Salvinia species are tropical. E.g. Salvinia natans is native to much of Europe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenofeden Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 thanks, was not aware Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ordovic Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Can Azolla filiculoides (also a water fern) be used for the same purpose, does anyone know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billynomates666 Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Can Azolla filiculoides (also a water fern) be used for the same purpose, does anyone know? Yes it can, basically anything that covers the surface, excludes light and absorbs nutrients will do the trick, but like duckweed it can get to be a pain in the ass Cheers steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johns Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 I don't think it's a good idea to use Azolla for that purpose. They have a symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which is why they are used as a natural fertilizer on rice paddies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billynomates666 Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 I don't think it's a good idea to use Azolla for that purpose. They have a symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which is why they are used as a natural fertilizer on rice paddies. Ahhh thanks for that, I was unaware of that. Cheers Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ordovic Posted February 29, 2012 Report Share Posted February 29, 2012 I don't think it's a good idea to use Azolla for that purpose. They have a symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which is why they are used as a natural fertilizer on rice paddies. Good point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jb_orchidguy Posted March 1, 2012 Report Share Posted March 1, 2012 Yeah azolla is wonderful. I didn't think it would add too much nitrogen, but if folks have experience with it and not good results I may rethink getting more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billybob Posted March 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2012 (edited) So it turns out the stuff near me very definitely isn't Salvinia as it has started growing out of the trays...will be looking on the web! Edited March 17, 2012 by Billybob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenofeden Posted March 17, 2012 Report Share Posted March 17, 2012 have you got a pic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billybob Posted March 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2012 have you got a pic? Not at the moment unfortunately, I can't find my camera. I'm not really sure what the stuff is, but I've ordered a pack of Salvinia Natans from ebay for £2.50, so that'll be going in the trays now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimscott Posted March 17, 2012 Report Share Posted March 17, 2012 (edited) I have Riccia, which is a common aquarium plant, and U. gibba in a water tray on a bright windowsill and the water never gets algae. I think it's possibly due to these soaking up the nutrients. I've been growing U. gibba & Aldrovanda together in a 10 gallong fishtank, outside, on our porch for the past 2 years. There's plent of direct sun and algae has not been an issue. That might be because the U. gibba is so pervasive and possibly I give them plants bog water, which does have snails. Whatever the dynamics, algae hasn't been a problem. Edited March 17, 2012 by jimscott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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