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How can I get my vallisnaria to fill in the back?

2K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  eileen 
#1 ·
Hey guys, I was wondering if there was any way or if anyone knew any special things I can do to get my vallisneria to grow? All my other plants are doing great. The vallisneria in the back isn't growing a ton but i guess it is growing a very tiny bit. I'd like to get it to fill in the entire back. Is this possible with 15 watts lighting (900ish lumens) over a 44g tank? Just wondering if this is possible, and how can I get it to grow better and fill int he back?

I'm pretty sure you all will say that with good fertilizing and everything in balance it will grow so yea, but if there any way i can encourage that specific plant to grow I'd appreciate the tips! ;)

Anyways, enjoy the pics even if you dunno. :) Thinking of getting a black background soon.
 

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#3 ·
It needs time to become established. I've forgotten how long my Vallisneria took, that was back in the 1980's; Sagittaria is very similar in this respect and my current Sag took a few months then bang, runners everywhere.

Plain black paper on the back would work fine; inexpensive but effective.

Byron.
 
#4 ·
Ok I'll give it time. :) My last vallisneria I had in my 29g tank all died so don't want this to happen here. :(

What kind of black paper? Is there any shiny ones like they have for the background that is cheap?
 
#5 ·
Ok I'll give it time. :) My last vallisneria I had in my 29g tank all died so don't want this to happen here. :(

What kind of black paper? Is there any shiny ones like they have for the background that is cheap?
I would not get a shiny black. First, it will be reflective and you want the back to be "invisible" so the tank appears to have greater depth. Second, some fish can see their reflections, and this may or may not be an issue--someone with a betta for example had to remove the background because the betta remained in the back of the tank displaying to its reflection all day.

If the Vall develops yellowing leaves and no new growth, there will be a problem, but otherwise, slow growth is OK.
 
#6 · (Edited)
My val is growing slow in my low light tank but it's growing. It just takes time. For a black background I went to Walmart and they had this Black Contact paper with abit of grey in it.It was cheap and If you do not like the contact paper white paper in the back you can put the paper back to back on the black side. It is waterproof as it is used to line shelfs. I also found the same kind of contact paper at Biglots so I bought all the black rolls. You can also try to buy foil gift wrap paper at any craft store the foil is a better waterproof paper then using regular paper. I saw some aquarium background sheets at Petco that was $1.99 a foot and came in t 2 different Ht. lengths. One side was a Blue the other side was a glossy Black. It was also water proof.
 
#8 · (Edited)
I like the contact paper I got. It is a bit shiny because it is carefree Vinyl. I can send you some of what I got. You can pay me back on my paypal for the shipping + $3 for the roll which is 9ft x 18". I can email you a new roll unopened. I think I bought 3 rolls. PM me if you want me to send you some.You are in Southern California so it can't be that much to ship as regular mail. I'm in San Diego
 
#9 ·
Austin, Here is a picture of the contact paper. I also put a picture of the tank it is on. I will ship you what you need for free and don't worry about the shipping as I found a opened roll and it will not cost much to ship. The other picture is of one of my tanks with this paper in back. It has slight grey design on the paper but I think it looks like rocks or mountains. PM if you might want it.
 

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