Author: AK

Having a wonderful time exploring tangents life throws at me.
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Sputniks

Using styrofoam balls, a bunch of toothpicks dipped in glue and glitter—and a handy pipe cleaner for a hook—Mom made Sputnik ornaments in honor of mankind launching its first artificial satellite into space. This, too, was Mom and Dad’s first Christmas as a married couple. They were living in an apartment on High Street in Columbia, MO. Mom was teaching at Lee School and Dad was finishing his degree. The year was 1959.

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Vallisneria Nana

Source: ChiChis

Narrowleaf Vallisneria: Graceful Grass-Like Elegance for Your Aquarium

Narrowleaf Vallisneria (Vallisneria nana) stands out as a resilient and visually striking addition to small to medium aquariums, making it an aquarium hobbyist favorite. Its grass-like appearance and low-maintenance nature contribute to its popularity.

Key Features:

  • Placement: Ideal for mid-ground or background.
  • Growth: Reaches up to 20 inches in height, providing excellent refuge for timid fish and fry.
  • Propagation: Prolific and easy to propagate.
  • Care: Hardy and undemanding, making it suitable for beginners.

Care Guidelines:

  • Lighting: Moderate to high lighting preferred but adaptable to various conditions.
  • Substrate: Plant with the crown above the substrate; adapts to sand or nutrient-rich substrate.
  • CO2 and Lighting: Can thrive without CO2 supplementation; adaptable to different lighting levels.
  • Water Parameters: Adaptable to various water conditions; prefers slow-moving, hard water rich in calcium.
  • Maintenance: Avoid trimming leaves, as damaged ones may rot and fall off naturally.

At-A-Glance Characteristics:

  • Tall growth ideal for the background in small to medium aquariums.
  • Easy propagation for a lush aquarium environment.
  • Provides ample cover for fish and fry.
  • Extremely hardy and durable, suitable for all experience levels.
  • Grass-like appearance adds a touch of elegance to the aquarium.

Care Snapshot:

  • Temperature: 72° – 82°F (22° – 28°C)
  • pH: 6.0 – 7.5
  • Origin: Indigenous to Central and South America, cultivated in US nurseries.
  • Aquarium Placement: Background, Midground in larger aquariums.
  • Care Level: Easy to Moderate.

Narrowleaf Vallisneria offers both beauty and resilience, making it an excellent choice for aquarists seeking an enchanting and undemanding aquatic plant.