DIY Aquarium Plant Farming - Best Method???

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Please note: I only have experience with a few different types of hydroponic propagation methods. There are lots of different methods when it comes to hydroponics. This video is based on my own setups and experiences. Also, in general I typically recommend a soil based setup for most folks. As they are cheap, easy, and generally produce quality results. They make a lot of sense for hobbyists looking to propagate plants for their own aquariums. Thanks for watching :) checkout my website if you are in the market for some aquarium plants! nwaquahobby.com

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

I am the average Joe, growing anubias for myself- maybe a few to trade and swap meets. I have optimized my soil based method by having one inch of pea gravel on the bottom with 2 inches of Miracle Grow potting soil on top of the pea gravel. I use a small plastic "sink", a small grow pot, inserted into this substrate for the water to drain into. I then use a 50 ml plastic syringe to suck out the water from the sink every time I spray. No mold, no pests, very little algae. Harvesting the plants I use a large spoon to grab a chunk of soil containing the roots and rhizone, and dip in some water for the dirt to drop off the roots before I move the plants to my main aquariums.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Nice! Sounds like you have a good system going 😃

[@ohmyflowerhorn8794]

I used soil in pots for my anubias nana then raised it a bit so that I can add more water at the bottom for the heater and air stone...it helps for humidity and keeping the temp stable as we are in winter right now...so far it is shooting 1 leaf per week...always watching your videos...great job man!

[@AquariumPlantLab]

You have a good setup going! 1 leaf per week is about the max so you are doing something right 😃

[@barefootaquatics]

I am switching most of my plants over to a soil based system. I still have some crypts in rock wool, but that setup has been hit by a light case of algae. My various Java ferns have reproduced in hydroton, but the quality was lackluster at best, so I’ve switched everything except my needle leaf JF which I think may do better in a shallow submerse hydroton setup. I’m having a blast just learning how to grow plants in different style setups.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Thats what it is all about! I am glad you are experimenting with various setups. Everyone has different plants, environmental conditions, plant genetics, lights, etc. so ultimately everyone needs to experiment with what they have to find the best for them!

[@sshomelab]

If you have issues with mold in a soil setup: put in some springtails. I've tried Bucephalandra in hydroballs (semi-submerged), but after forgetting to keep an eye on them for about 2 weeks, they were reduced to snot. I think the waterline was too low for them, although my Anubias nana petite and Anubias gracilis are doing fine in there. I hope there is still life in the rhyzomes and they will bounce back, but I don't have much hope for that. My lighting isn't optimal, so that might also be an issue. We all live and learn.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Springtails are great! I have a video about mold and they made the cut 😂. Good luck with your Buce!!!

[@jparks6544]

Stupid suggestion. You don't put pests purposely in the house. They will infest your house.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Springtails aren’t house pests here. Maybe in a moist tropical environment though.

[@deanphung7018]

Do you have any tip on growing caperting plant like monte carlo, etc.. which method work best? Thx

[@byz513]

Good summary

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Thank you byz! 🌱 🏆

[@wantsome-zs5sq]

I grown a lot a emersed plants. One thing I had happen was the mold growing in my set up made me sick when I was handling the plants. It was toxic as hell. Not only was it airborne I think it absorbed through my skin. I had several different types of fungus and and cyanobacteria. From now on I'm wearing gloves. It may not happen with all set ups depending on how you're growing the plants.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Thanks for sharing! I haven't had that experience myself but mold can be no joke for sure.

[@dirtyoldfarmhand3]

Awesome

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Thanks :)

[@bonghittaz1502]

As someone who grows mushrooms i can tell you that the soil method, you can comply sterilize the dirt and all you have to do is put the soil in a container with a lid and soak it in boiling water then put the lid on and let it cook till cool. It should be wet enough to the point where you pick it up and it starts dripping without squeezing your hand, you should be able to pick it up without water falling out the dirt without pressure. That will comply kill all mold without damaging nutrients.

[@plakatapower9674]

Which stem plants would you start with in a soil based small rectangular tub setup ?

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Great question! Of the stems I’ve grown with such a setup I would say that the three easiest in order of easiest first, would be: Water Wisteria, Bacopa Caroliniana, and Staurogyne Repens! 🌱 I have all of them in stock on my site if you need some starts 😊 nwaquahobby.com/collections/aquarium-plants

[@plakatapower9674]

@@AquariumPlantLab sweeet thank you so much man.

[@ziluq6836]

When i tried this with hydrobals mosf of the plants died or melted. maybe a not enough nutrient rich hydroponic fertilizer?

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Thats too bad! Always a bummer to lose plants. It could be nutrients, but it could also be a number of other factors. (humidity, photointensity, photoperiod, heat, etc.) I would need to know the full details of your setup to try and diagnose the issue.

[@ziluq6836]

@@AquariumPlantLab i am using a simple bin with a lid, small gap to let fresh air in. Its in a room that is steadily at 22 degrees Celsius. It gets natural sunlight.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

A few more questions then I can take a stab at diagnosing. What species are you growing? Does it get direct sunlight or indirect? Is it right next to the window? How high is the water level? Any new growth coming in or are they just dying (describe how they melted)? Is there condensation on the walls of the bin? Do you foliar spray? How much ferts did you use?

[@ziluq6836]

@@AquariumPlantLab Bucephalandra, its in indirect sunlight, its close to the window. Theire is condense on the walls and the water level is just below the hydroballs. The plants seem to be melting from the bottom up. I am using the described amount of fertilizer. Theire is no new growth, i foiler spray daily

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Okay here are some things to try. I would lower the water level so that you more Leca above the water. This will boost oxygen to the roots. If possible I would definitely recommend using a light over a window. Natural light is just very difficult to control. I would try to get a temp reading in the tub. Make sure it doesn’t over heat during the day. Test the water and shoot for ~50 ppm nitrate or so. Buce is tricky to grow emersed, more so than other species in my opinion. Good luck!👍. Also make sure your foliar spray is very reduced compared to your substrate nutrient solution. It should be 1/4 strength or less usually.