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Vallisneria (Spiralis var. Red and Spiralis)

Overview

Vallisneria, both Spiralis var. Red and the standard green Spiralis, are popular in aquarium settings for their long, ribbon-like leaves that create a dynamic underwater landscape. These plants are excellent for adding height and contrast to the background, with the red variety providing a splash of color.

Position in Aquarium

  • Location: Planted behind the Echinodorus and Hygrophila, stretching across the background to create a gradient effect from red to green.
  • Grouping: Plant 3-4 shoots of each type, intermixed to enhance the depth and visual interest of the aquarium's background.

Care Requirements

Lighting

  • Intensity: Moderate to high
  • Duration: 10-12 hours per day to support healthy growth and color development in the red variety.

Water Conditions

  • Temperature: 20-28°C (68-82°F)
  • pH: 6.5-7.5
  • Hardness: 4-18 dKH

Substrate

  • Type: Prefers a rich, sandy substrate that allows for easy root expansion.

CO2

  • Addition: Not necessary but can promote faster growth and better overall plant health.
  • Rate: Moderate, especially beneficial for the red variety to maintain its vibrant color.

Fertilization

  • Macro Nutrients: Regular supplementation with a balanced aquarium fertilizer.
  • Micro Nutrients: Iron is particularly important for enhancing the red coloration of Spiralis var. Red.

Pruning and Maintenance

  • Pruning Frequency: As needed to control height and spread.
  • Trimming Technique: Cut at the base near the substrate to remove older or overly long leaves.

Propagation

  • Method: Runners are sent out from the base of the plant, which then develop into new plants that can be separated and replanted.
  • Growth Rate: Fast, which makes it ideal for quickly filling in background areas.

Common Issues

  • Leaf Tip Burn: Can occur if the water is too hard or if there is excessive light.
  • Crowding: Due to its fast growth, Vallisneria can crowd out slower-growing plants if not regularly maintained.

Additional Tips

  • Flow Resistance: Vallisneria is very tolerant of water flow, making it suitable for placement near filter outputs.
  • Visual Planning: Use the varying heights and colors of Vallisneria to create a natural, tiered look in the aquarium's background.
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