Do I need to thin out my Guppy grass?

P

ponderingky

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Sep 24, 2009
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Hi all,

I am not a planted tank person - but I have a few to help w/breeding my guppies and red cherry shrimp. I have the rcs in a 10 w/guppy grass and moss and as you can see it is pretty full. Is it too much or should I let it go. The other tank is for my albino red guppies. There are a few different kinds of plants but the grass is dominant - along w/the duckweed on top :swear:. Is it too thick in that tank? If I do thin it in the guppy tank how is the best way since I do have it rooted in the sand on the bottom?

Thanks for your insight,

shrimp 1.jpg shrimp 2.jpg shrimp 3.jpg albino red 1.jpg albino red 2.jpg
 
It is your call! As long as the critters can get around, it is fine. If you like it, leave it. If not, trim it
 
Chrisinator said:
What guppy grass? :)
Click to expand...

:huh::rofl:

I have found out the coolest thing w/rcs - they are great plant cleaners. I have some old anacharis in a grow out tank just floating around and it has slowly been covered w/dark algae. I put a piece of it in w/the shrimp/grass and they have picked it clean. It is nice and green now and in a different tank. I have been putting other pieces in there and they are loving it. It is almost like magic. Put a algae covered plant in the tank and it comes out looking fresh and green. I'm going to start putting all my artificial plants in next to get them cleaned up the easy way and feed the shrimp at the same time. It is like a shrimp magnet!! Because the guppy grass (najas) is so thick I had no idea how many were in there. I have been able to count over 75 as they swarm all over the new source of algae. Lots of babies - :dance:

BTW - I am just going to leave it alone for now (thanks for the input). When I get back from vacation I will thin it out and see if anyone here needs some. It is the first plant I have found that I can't kill in a fish tank.
 
You really should thin it out sooner. That much of any aquatic plant will suck too many nutrients out of the water. Great for keeping the water clean, not so great for shrimp. They graze on algae and other organisms in the biofilm that covers the inside of the tank. The plants use the nutrients that would support algae and whatever else. The duckweed also blocks out a significant amount of light at the surface.
Incidentally, I found that shrimp also love to eat dead leaves, particlarly if they're aged and starting to break down.
 
:iagree:

You could sell or trade some othe najas as well for something new or different. It looks a little to crowded, but if that is the look you like then keep it. Def take some out though for sure
 
I personally suggest that you take at least a part out. those plants are gonna suck oxygen at night and that doesnt do good to your guppy or rcs.
Like your aquarium btw. clean and lovely!
 
Thanks for the input - I will pull some out and put it in my other growout tanks until I get back from vacation, then I can offer it FS to anyone who needs some. It doesn't bother me - I don't have "fun" tanks, all mine are for breeding or growing out babies or potential breeders. I have really enjoyed adding some plants - I have several tanks now w/plants to aid in breeding.

Thanks again - I start thinning tomorrow and let it float around w/some other babies - may help keep the water cleaner in those tanks while I am gone.

One quick question: On the najas in the guppy tank - it is rooted in the sand, how would you thin it out? Pinch off long stems or try to get it out by the roots? Pinching would be easier but I am not sure how it responds to pruning.

Thanks,
 
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