Ludwigia melting

Okay melting is not the word. I know at some point Dustin said not to put ludwigia in a newly dirted tank, but I kinda did anyway. I have my plants in dirted pots capped with gravel. Well, they are rotting from the roots up. The rest of the plant is fine. I guess I could just float them, but the dirt is the only nutrients I have in the tank.

The rest of my dirt is in a container (29 gallon rubbermade) outside. Would it be possible to fill and drain the container enough to rid the dirt of the excess nutrients? I have had it in the container for about 6 weeks, and filled and drained it about 5 times.

How long I would have to wait to introduce ludwigia to a newly dirted tank?

If anyone knows what do- please help. I love my ludwigia, and don't want to get rid of it.

Thanks, Sherry.;

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Permalink Reply by LED on November 2, 2012 at 1:02am

newly dirted tanks as with any newly dirted tank will output so many nutrients and nitrogenous substance (ammonia, ammonium, nitrate, nitrite) and toxic levels of iron and other micro nutrients that it will KILL most plants from the roots up. if the plants roots and lower stem turned black that means they are burning because of the nutrients and ammonia. If you were to follow Diana Walstads method (also read her book) or other books on NPT (natural planted tanks) then you will find out you need to wait weeks or months (preferably a month) before you start adding sensitive plants to the substrate.

According to Walstads method you would let the dirt sit in water for a month. While this method is far too long for most people some mineralize the dirt as I've suggest here on this site. There are other sites on the web to let you know how to mineralize dirt to reduce nutrient leeching.

How to Mineralize Dirt

At the link above you can find a How to for this method to speed up the planting process, but do understand planting immediately can harm some plants.

If you want you try waiting to plant in the dirt for a month then maybe it might work, but you would want to test by planting first. See if it doesnt melt at the roots, then if it doesnt, plant the rest of the ludwigia.

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Permalink Reply by sherry on November 3, 2012 at 12:01am

Thank you. I have soaked the dirt for over 5 weeks now. I guess I need to fill and drain a few more times. Next time I will take your advise and mineralize the soil. Maybe that will help.

Thanks again, Sherry.