Micro-epiphite for aerial part of aquarium?

[Maurizio]

Thanks Jim,
the point is, I have barely 15 cm of vertical space, so not really much for anything which isn't "mini"...

The other point is, I wanted to keep the environment as close as possible to the real biotope, a low-end brackish river bank (i.e. no plants at all: the compromise with Java fern and Ceratophyllum you've seen is just for help fighting algae). Although, I know, tillandsiae and orchids surely do not grow that close to the water line....

Anyway, are you suggesting I keep the roots in water, and the leafs out? I believe at SG of 1.002 these sturdy plants should still be OK...

[Call_Me_Bob]

Originally Posted by DelawareJim

Nice setup on your blog.

I think you're going to need to go with hardier aquatic plants because of the very high humidity and lack of a fan.

First thoughts are Anubias and Cryptocoryne. I grow both emersed and they grow quite well in my setups. Tropica, who I'm sure you've heard of, grows these plants emersed, so you should be good to go.

I'm assuming the mangrove roots are plastic and not real mangrove roots. If that's the case, you may have to tie them with some fishing line as the roots might not want to attach.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Cheers.
Jim

+1! anubias and cryptocorunne shoudl do very well emersed.

[DelawareJim]

Yes, I think roots in water leaves out should work very well. Should also help with your algae problem.

It's a shame you only have 15cm. Crypt. ciliata naturally grows in brackish habitats, but it can get up to 25 or 30cm.

Cheers.
Jim

[Anisa]

Great thread. I am also looking into making paludarium with fish and will have about 15 in high and 30 in long space for plants and would like to try orchids too.
@Maurizio - Can you get a timer so you can run your lights longer, i am sure any kind of plants would benefit of extended light.

[Maurizio]

Yep,
I do have a timer, I was keeping the lighting time to a minimum since the tank is new, and I only have a Ceratophyllum to help against algae. Now I have just increased to 8 hours/day.

I believe a little fan might solve all my aerial plant problems. I'll look on the net if I can find something
S M A L L. Any suggestion?

[DelawareJim]

might have to rig a very small computer fan.

Cheers.
Jim