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Misc Lizards 6
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Misc Lizards 8
Misc Lizards 9
Misc Lizards 10


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Miscellaneous
Bob's Acclimation

How to Start
How to Add New Fish
How to Keep Healthy
Which Fish Get Along?
10 Questions to Ask
What is Ich?
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Preventing Disease
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Pet World Visit
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Aquatic Plants
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Different Watersprite

LA
Narrow-leaf anacharis, Egeria najas -- similar to Anacharis, Egeria densa, but "skinnier."

LA
Egeria densa, regular Anacharis easily outsells all other aquarium plant species.

LA
Egeria najas, narrow-leaf anacharis.  Less common but just as versatile.

Introduction  You'll usually see narrow-leaf anacharis on the market as a bunch plant.  Bunch plants used to be sold with a strip of lead wrapped around them to hold them to the bottom.  Most suppliers are evidently "getting the lead out" because we're seeing less and less of it.  (Probably some environmental problem like lead shot and lead sinkers?)  Anyway, the new bunches float.  Not the best display for sales. 

LA
Often sold as a "bunch plant."

Bunch Problems.  In addition to floating, these bunches get a tourniquet wrapped around their butts to hold them together.  Unfortunately, the tourniquet also chokes the life out of much of the plant.

LA
This is the new bunch system.

LA
The new bunch holder.

Lots of Waste.  These plastic wrapped wires choke the life out of the bottom ends of the anacharis stalks.  You need to remove the plastic strips and these dead and dying parts before planting your new narrow-leaf anacharis.

LA
Here you get some idea of how much of the stem is affected by the plastic strips.

LA
Here's six bunches taken apart.  Good strands on the left.  Infusoria food on the right.  Almost 20%.

LA
Recently planted strands (no attempt to decorate).  Natural gravel wors best (IMHO).

More Utilitarian than Decorative.  Think of your new narrow-leaf anacharis as a water cleaner -- rather than an item of decor.  It absorbs carbon dioxide from the water, as well as carbonates, phosphates, and nitrogenous waste products.  In addition, it provides oxygen as well as food -- the plant itself and the tiny animalcules that live on its surfaces.  And that's not all, as they say on the late night infomercials.  It also makes a great place for breeding egglayers, a hiding place for small livebearers, and provides security for shy fishes.  Not a bad Deal.

LA
First day of "planting."  Will eventually turn toward the light.

LA
Second day after planting.

LA
Third day, not as phototrophic as aquatic plants with larger leaves.

LA
"Planting" in quotes because narrow-leaf anacharis has feeble roots.

About those "Roots."  Narrow-leaf anacharis grows a rather puny root system.  It takes in little nutrition thru its roots.  It absorbs the "food" it needs thru its leaves.  This makes it a very efficient and actually aggressive plant when introduced into most waters.  In full sunlight it takes over and out-competes most other plant species.  When you try to destroy it by breaking up the strands, each shred usually grows into a new plant.

LA
Even little shreds like this will flourish in sunny locations.

How Much Light Needed?  Narrow-leaf anacharis grows very well under most aquarium lights.  It grows particularly well in smaller tanks because of their lower water levels. 

LA
It grows fastest when floating at the surface.

LA
Light plus fish wastes encourge faster growth.

LA
New strands  (and roots) emerge from the numerous nodes on its stems.

Fast Growing  Like your lawn, you will need to "mow" your narrow-leaf anacharis on a regular basis.  (Hint:  Do not use an electric mower.)  Some plant keepers report as much as two inches per day.  Don't expect that much but plan on at least an inch per week.  When yours grow too long, just break off the tips and re-plant them.  Three or four inchers work best.  Usually your parent plant will start a new growth tip where you snip the tip.

LA
Theoretically grows to three feet -- actually grows much longer.

Last Words.  Narrow-leaf anacharis eats fish wastes -- carbon dioxide, nitrogenous, and phosphate wastes.  You can do fewer water changes, however, fewer water changes also slow the growth of anacharis.  You give them fresh carbonates with each water change.  How do you "cycle" a goldfish bowl?  Throw in a bunch of anacharis.  Three to four bunches work wonders in a new 10-gallon tank.  If they are illuminated.  LA

Jaguar Spawning II
Jewel Fish
Keo's Flowerhorns
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Kribensis
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Misc Odd V

Sharks  
Bala
Black
Bull
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Pond Info 
Blank Park Zoo
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Cattails
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D.M. Botanical Center
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