Downoi

Discussion in 'Planted Tanks' started by Pezulu, Nov 9, 2017.

  1. Pezulu

    Pezulu

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    I wanted to name the thread "Grow you bugger, grow" as I have been looking for Downoi for a few years now, without finding any.
    When the opportunity presented itself to import some, I jumped at the chance.

    The tank I decided on, is a Nano (15 litre) tank, with the following:
    Cascade 100 HOB filter
    25W heater
    Zetlight 1200 LED connected to my WiFi network. (Someone said they want so much light that other things in the tank need suntan lotion.)
    Brown/Chocolate Neocardina shrimp.
    Otocinclus Catfish
    Susswassertang on a rock. (I am thinking of removing this to give the Downoi more space.)
    Dragon Rock as decoration.

    The tank gets a daily dose of 1 ml Seachem Excel, and twice a week it gets a 1 ml dose of Phosphorous, Nitrogen, Iron, Potassium and Seachem Flourish.
    Substrate is Prodibio Aqua Soil.

    Now it is a waiting game, and me repeating "grow you bugger grow" every time I look at the tank, which sits on my desk to my immediate left, always in sight.

    Wish me luck. I feel that it will be needed.


    Downoi.jpg
     
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  3. MariaS

    MariaS Retired Moderator

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    Very nice @Pezulu and wish you all the best

    They are tiny but I am sure with all your nursing they will soon take off

    Just one word of advice.... you cant say "grow you bugger grow'... You have to be sweet and tell it how beautiful it is every morning and how much you love her!!!
     
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  4. OP
    Pezulu

    Pezulu

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    Thanks @MariaS
    Once they start growing and increase in size I will sweet talk them...
    At this stage they look like I am trying to grow lettuce underwater.
    20171109_080338.jpg
     
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  5. Pierré Schoonraad

    Pierré Schoonraad Rainbow Freak

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    Good luck. I know the feeling as I'm completely sucsesfull in killing them in a few weeks.

    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
     
  6. Ane

    Ane Here, fishy fishy!

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    Oh wow. Just googled this and they are soooo pretty!


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  7. f-fish

    f-fish #unspecified

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    Yeah ... tried my hand at it a few times ... I have no clue when it is successful or why it dies. Had a few heads going and then one day they all got abducted by aqualiens --

    Consider yourself wished.

    Later Ferdie
     
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  8. Ladysphinx

    Ladysphinx

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    I'm guessing the reason it's so hard to find them is because everyone kills them instead of growing them
     
  9. ancistrus

    ancistrus

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    Looking good @Pezulu

    Downoi is very easy to grow emersed ...too easy. It is easier than crypts and grows fast. I think in a year or two a lot will be available form local growers.

    Soil formula that has worked for me (roughly) = 20% (vermiculite + perlite) + 40% potting soil + 40% compost soil
    (all available from local nursery, I use the commercial compost bags)

    Place soil mix in clear plastic container, water the soil, plant the plants and put lib on top (not a totally complete seal). Spray water periodically with a mister.

    Put near a window with indirect sunlight (North facing?). They struggle in the Gauteng winter but change their growth pattern and survive. Watch the direct sunlight in winter which will kill the plants.
    Wanted to replant mine after the winter and left some of my plants in a water bucket for a week and they melted, but o well...
     
  10. OP
    Pezulu

    Pezulu

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    A week later, and the leaves seem to sag less.
    Otherwise, not much difference.

    Downoi 2.jpg
     
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  11. Pierré Schoonraad

    Pierré Schoonraad Rainbow Freak

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    All a good sign. If there is no melting your half way there

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  12. Christiaan Duvenage

    Christiaan Duvenage

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    Got 1 from a friend today.Stuck it in Prodibio. Lets hope for the best.IMG-20171118-WA0028.jpeg
     
  13. OP
    Pezulu

    Pezulu

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    Holding thumbs for you...
    Looks like a stem that was cut, as there seem to be nice roots going.
    Hopefully it takes.

    Even bare stems that I planted into the Prodibio seem to be pushing out small leaves.
    I can only hope.

    I give mine a daily dose of Excel, and twice weekly a variety of ferts.

    Downoi stem.jpg
     
  14. Christiaan Duvenage

    Christiaan Duvenage

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    Tnx Pezulu...
    My tank has co2 and every other day scape complete.
     
  15. OP
    Pezulu

    Pezulu

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    Just short of 3 weeks now, and there has been some progress.
    Some plants have completely melted away, while others show good growth.

    20171128_134328.jpg

    The bare stem that I planted to try and get growing is making some good progress, with more leaves appearing.
    There seems to be hope yet.
    Downoi Stem 2.jpg
     
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  16. MariaS

    MariaS Retired Moderator

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    @Pezulu .... I must say that considering they looked like wilted lettuce straight after you planted them, the ones that have pulled through are looking very nice and healthy...
     
  17. snyper564

    snyper564 Dwarf Puffer

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    BugMan likes this.
  18. Norio DS

    Norio DS

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    Quickie: Where do you get your Otos? I'm looking for a local breeder.
     
  19. Christiaan Duvenage

    Christiaan Duvenage

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    @Norio DS :Where are you based?Pls update profile.I can refer you to someone who sells ottos for R35 each.Rather send a PM this thread is about Halferi.
     
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  20. OP
    Pezulu

    Pezulu

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    Really disappointed at the moment.
    Of the 15 Downoi I planted there are only 6 left, with 1 melting away as I look at it.

    On a plus the Susswassertang is really growing...


    Downoi 6.jpg
     
  21. Christiaan Duvenage

    Christiaan Duvenage

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    Don't feel bad.Mine hasn't exactly sky rocketed either.Luckly they not dead but bottom leaves have melted off.Hopefully they just adjusting.
    IMG-20171213-WA0010.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Dec 13, 2017

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