Invasive Species
Dipping Plants to Eliminate Snails
Jul 20th
Outbreaks of nuisance snails are one of the most common problems encountered in planted aquariums. Though much maligned, snails are perfectly normal in tanks with live plants and can even help with algae control. The problems occur when the snails reproduce and become out of control. Throughout our blog posts, we’ve gone over a number of methods of controlling snails through predators and removal methods, but as with any problems, the problem can be avoided with preventative measures.
A common way of cutting down snail populations is to dip new plants, killing snails and snail eggs before they enter your aquarium. We have here a few different “recipes” for these dips. Keep in mind that while these have been used successfully by many aquarists, sensitive plants may still be damaged. You can try your chosen method on one plant before using it on all of your new plants. These are also all solutions that are to be utilized in a separate bucket, tub or sink – NOT in the aquarium! More >
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...Creative Solutions for Invasive Species – If You Can’t Beat Them, Eat Them?
Aug 13th
You walk into a trendy restaurant. You browse the daily specials…the featured fish of the day? Lionfish. This is one creative way to fight the exploding population of these fish invading Caribbean waters and rapidly expanding north along the Eastern coast. More >
(+1 rating, 1 votes) Loading ...Rocky is Spared: The Plight of One Family to Save their Beloved Pet
Jun 26th
There aren’t often stories in the news about fish that give you warm fuzzies, but this one came pretty close. Fish people are passionate about their pets, and though you typically can’t cuddle them or play fetch with them, to many of us they are just as loved as the family dog or cat. Rocky’s story is an example of the love one owner feels. Rocky may not be the fish that many of us picture as a fun pet, being that he is a snakehead, and we know the trouble they cause, but I have to say that this particular fish I feel for. His responsible keeper deserves a pat on the back for fighting for his pet’s life and for being said responsible keeper. I guess we can’t let all fish fall victim to invasive species profiling.
Here are just a couple of links to articles on Rocky’s plight, there are tons more if you search:
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf?/base/news-17/1235642273151050.xml&coll=1
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/03/17/2009-03-17_suburban_syracuse_family_begs_gov_paters.html
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Overgrowing Pond Plants and Invasive Species
Jun 24th
It’s starting to get warm. Really warm in the U.S. And, for many of you, you’re starting to notice your pond plants are starting to kick it into overdrive.
Pond Plants, more than most other plants in my opinion (probably because they always have access to water) can really kick into growth once the water temperature goes up. I’ve been one of the folks who literally starts throwing away the water hyacinths I paid 4 bucks for a few months earlier because I have no where to go with them. I’ve seen the dwarf moneywort in my pond run out of room within and establish itself OUTSIDE the pond. Even hardy pond lillies, while beautiful, can go to town in a mud bottomed pond.
It is these rapidly growing plants which form some of the most environmentally invasive species available. Imagine, what’s happening in your pond allowed to carry on unabated in a large lake? Unless you can properly dispose or trade them, do not introduce them back into the wild. The threat of serious ecological impact is particularly strong from these seemingly unstoppable plants.
Many local garden clubs or websites will be happy to share and swap out plants with you. You may even be able to pick up a new species or 2 for your water garden. As in all things, consider the impact before you act…..
For more information on invasive plant species within the US, check out invasivespeciesinfo.gov.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...A Word About Water Hyacinth
May 8th
Patty here. Just about anyone with an ornamental pond has either heard of water hyacinth or has a personal experience with hyacinth to share. I find it to be an interesting and useful plant, and here in PA we don’t have to worry about its invasive tendencies and notorious reputation like those of you in warmer climates. I thought I’d give a little background on this floater to help you get to know it better.
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is native to tropical South America where it forms vast mats on the water’s surface. It is sun and heat loving and can reproduce at a ridiculous rate by producing long runners and stolons, which is why it is cosidered a noxious and invasive species in many states and countries. They can double in population within about two weeks if the conditions are right!
It has unique structure. Each leaf has a spongy bulb which allows it to float on the surface, and the leaves have a waxy, waterproof feel. The root system hangs in a long-stranded cluster beneath each plant, and the roots are white to dark purple-brown and very hairy. These plants also produce beautiful flowers in the peak of summer, a cluster of light purple flowers with six petals each and a violet and yellow accent on the top petal of each flower.
Hyacinth does have its notorious side, and the reputation is well-deserved. However, in cooler climates, and with responsible management this plant has carved out a valuable niche. Because hyacinth grows and reproduces so rapidly, it makes a terrific solution to provide shade on ornamental ponds. Two to three single plants is usually way more than enough to cover a broad area of water surface within a few short weeks, ad it will be necessary to prune the mat to keep the population in check. The floating mat is a refuge for pond fish and frogs, a food source, and a form of natural, efficient biological filtration.
The foliage and blossoms are as pretty as they are useful, but the roots are the real prize. Not only do they provide a surface for fish to deposit eggs, but they serve as a safe haven for fry, tadpoles, and other organisms as they grow. They have the ability to remove toxins, excess nutrients, and other compounds from the water and have even been used in industrial water treatment applications. Hyacinth helps to oxygenate, and can even be placed in the filter’s sump as long as there is enough sun!
Hyacinth can be purchased for use in garden ponds in most aquatic garden and pond centers. We sell it out of our retail location, but do not ship it. It is actually prohibited in many southern states. If you choose to introduce hyacinth to your pond, don’t overdo it, purchase 2-3 plants, and see how they grow! Provide them with plenty of sun, and protect the plants from your fish (who will think they are delicious) until they start to reproduce. And as always, be careful and responsible if you need to dispose of extra hyacinth to ensure that they don’t find their way into natural ponds and waterways.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
