qnp@SAGE.CC.PURDUE.EDU (vinod kutty) (01/19/90)
Richard, I came to the conclusion that crypts need a little more CO2
than other plants because of a few reasons.
1) I have recorded myself and read in MANY books and magazines, the pH of
the waters in South East Asia. It is usually very acidic. Sometimes as low
as 4.0. As you know, in such waters, carbon dioxide is in a readily
available form. They use it without much competition - not a whole lot
of plants can grow happily insuch waters. But, if you get to habitats
near the ocean where there may be a tidal effect, there are more varieties
of plants and the crypts DON'T DO TOO WELL!
2) I have also noticed in aquaria with carbon dioxide (not mine) that
crypts look and grow happily. Just like the tank that you saw in LA.
I dont relally think CO2 is necessary, I'd rather increase the bioload.
I probably wouldnt say this if I could afford a CO2 diffuser. Many
scientists like Friedrich Mohlmann (C.mohlmanni), Kurt Paffrath and
Gerhard Brunner, have suggested CO2 for crypts. Especially Kaspar
Horst of Dupla.
3) Sri lankan crypts grow in water that is a lot harder than SE Asian ones.
This makes them a lot easier to grow. I have C.wendtii (red variety) that
put out one new leaf that is almost 5" long every 2 weeks!
In otherwords, crypts are quite spoiled. They need to be pampered. You could
add more nutrients to your tank (trace elements and minerals, not Plantabs),
but keep the algae in check. My source of trace elements are the tap water
and Ferroplant. Crypts probably need more iron too! This is just a feeling
and not something I can back up. But it is probably true.
I looked up my fish diary from 1987 (collecting in Nigeria) and I have a
list of killies that I identified. It might make some killienuts drool.
I'll post it soon.
Vinny.