Native plants from a lake?

[zendog]

Has anyone kept native plants from lakes and streams in their tanks? I was recently snorkling around in a lake and saw a bunch of interesting plants. It was a cool water lake, so my guess is they'd never survive in my tanks. Maybe in an unheated tank?

The tallest looks like some type of Val, but I liked the short ones best. I hope the image comes through.

View attachment IMG_20170731_151955270.jpg

 

[chriscoli]

I think you can technically keep many native species....I'm sure someone from GWAPA would be able to provide more details. I seem to recall that there were some species you can keep in your tank that are found around Lake Needwood.

 

[Carolineep]

Very beautiful plants.

 

[JLW]

A lot of the common aquarium plants ARE native plants.

The trick is knowing which ones are suitable to the aquarium. Some of them just simply won't grow, or get too big, or have needs our aquariums don't seem to meet. But, a lot of them are really cool aquarium plants... and I don't know why they're not more common.

 

[Cal]

I'd test it out. Throw it in a hospital tank and throw some guppies to see if they survive being with the plant. Plants have quite a tolerance to temperature change. I feel the biggest obstacle will be trying to keep the plant alive with aquarium lights since it's been living outside under sunlight this whole time.

 

[b considine]

What Cal said. Try it out and see what happens. Might want to give it a dip to kill off unwanted pests before planting.

Blaise

 

[Fishlover]

IS the lake in VA? I'd like to snorkel in this lake. Info please

 

[zendog]

IS the lake in VA? I'd like to snorkel in this lake. Info please

Sorry, but it is a bit further drive... it's in Connecticut. The cooler weather makes for much clearer water in most lakes further north. Something I haven't seen in any lakes I've visited in VA.