Neptun
The myriophyllum aquaticum is probably the most unpretentious of all peristome species. It is quite widespread in the aquariums of amateurs. Due to its appearance and relative ease of maintenance. The emerald coloring of its deeply cut leaves forming dense thickets in the aquarium create a very beautiful decorative effect.
Most fish species look very well against the Brazilian peristyle. Suitable for both cold-water and tropical aquariums. Although in warm water forms less lush thickets than at lower temperatures. In its feather-like leaves will find refuge in the fry of viviparous fish. Brazilian peristyle is able to form and overwater shoots, the color of which is close to purple. That when kept in the paludarium also creates an original decoration. So it is worth getting to know this amazing plant and perhaps plant it in your aquarium.
Synonyms, names in other languages:уруть водная, myriophyllum aquaticum
Myriophyllum aquaticum Areal
Brazil is considered to be the main distribution site of myriophyllum aquaticum. It is found in many water bodies in South America and in some southern states of the United States of America. Myriophyllum aquaticum prefers standing and slow-flowing clear waters.
Myriophyllum aquaticum description
The Brazilian peristyle has a stem that is up to 60 centimeters long and bears whorls of leaves. Usually in the whorl there are 3 – 4 leaflets, which reach four centimeters in length. Complex, deeply dissected. Reminiscent of a feather, thanks to which the Brazilian pistolistnik got its name. The color under good conditions of maintenance is light bright green. The root is delicate coarse. It is formed by tender, thin roots. When the stem reaches the surface, it can form aerial sprouts, which have a color close to purple.
Myriophyllum aquaticum Aquarium maintenance
Myriophyllum aquaticum can be kept in tanks of any volume. More suitable for cold-water, but can be kept in tropical aquariums. To the chemical composition of water is not demanding. Can withstand hardness from 2 to 25 °dH. Optimally – 6-8 °dH. pH-5,5-8. Optimally – 7. Temperature 20 to 28°C. Can withstand a short-term drop in temperature to 15 ° C. Demanding lighting is desirable to illuminate daylight lamps with a total power of 0.5W / l. Likes diffused natural light. However, it should be protected from direct sunlight.
Under direct sunlight, algae quickly develop, which grows not only on the glass of the water body, but also on the leaves of the peristyle leaf. As a result, photosynthesis is impaired in the Brazilian pistillate, which can lead to its death. The duration of the daylight hours should be at least eight to ten hours. More precisely the duration of illumination can be determined by observing the water urutia itself. Having received the necessary daily dose of light, the Myriophyllum aquaticum folds its leaves. After that, the lighting should be turned off for the next thirty minutes.
Is water filtration necessary?
It is also desirable to have filters that clean the water environment from suspended particles (turbidity). Mud particles can settle on the leaves, which can also impede photosynthesis and worsen the nutrition of the plant. Once a week it is necessary to change one-fifth of the water with fresh, tempered water. The bush can be rooted in the soil, which is sometimes recommended to use a mixture of peat, garden soil and sand. Such a mixture may be acceptable for a Dutch aquarium or paludarium. For a general aquarium with fish, it is better not to use such a mixture. As practice shows, it is quite sufficient to use coarse or medium sand with a medium degree of siltation as a soil.
Additional feeding is not necessary
In additional feeding with mineral fertilizers uruta aquatica does not need. Quite enough nutrients coming into the aquarium when changing the water fresh and with food for fish. Propagated uruta aquatic root shoots and vegetatively. Stems of the plant that have reached the water surface is desirable to pinch off the top. This will promote greater branching. And the top can be rooted by burying the lower whorl with leaves in the sand. Very soon near the leaves, immersed in sand, a root system will form. Rooting peristolistnik is not always necessary. Can perfectly develop and freely floating in the water column. But a greater decorative effect is achieved when planted in the ground. Although it is a matter of taste. It is better to use as a background.
Thanks to its ability to form lush thickets. When planted against the back and side walls, it can create a beautiful emerald background. In large containers, it can be planted as a separate shrub in the middle ground, which will also add volume to your pond. Due to the unpretentiousness of the plant and a wide range of values of chemical and physical parameters of the habitat can be kept in the same aquarium with a large number of other species of plants and fish. In winter, when there is little natural light, you can give the plant a rest by lowering the water temperature. However, this is not necessary.
Use in aquarium farming
With sufficient artificial light, Myriophyllum aquaticum can grow all year round. In addition to its excellent decorative effect, it enriches the water well with oxygen and absorbs excess minerals from it. In addition, the leaves can hide the fry of live-bearing fish. Can be a substrate for spawning of some spawning fish. Can be used as food for some fish. In its thickets may breed infusoria, which are a starter food for fry of spawning fish.
As you can see, the Brazilian peristyle has not only a very decorative appearance, but also a number of other very useful properties. This and cleaning water and enriching it with oxygen. And providing shelter for fry. Acting as a substrate for spawning. uruta aquatic is worth the few efforts that are required for its good growth. And your underwater world will only benefit from Myriophyllum aquaticum in every way.
