Salvinia Minima + Frogbit Grow Out Containers

Hi all!
I am going to set up a container system to grow out Salvinia Minima and Amazon Frogbit tomorrow and I had a few questions. Ok, so I will be using something like this (mine has a 12" x 16" footprint) and I will be dosing ferts and having it under medium-high light. I will be running an air stone in the containers just to prevent there from being stagnant water that smells up my room. Should I even do water changes? If so, how often? What fert should I use (I have Aquarium Co-Op EZ Green and Seachem Flourish)? How often should I does ferts? How many gallons should I dose for (container is about 2.5g)? Now for the fun part, how large should one portion be? How much should I sell one portion for? Maybe Vishaquatics or Kribensis27 can help, but IDK. Thanks!

 

Cool idea! For water changes, I would still do some occasionally. Not as often as you have to do with fish, but it’s still good to occasionally replace some water. A few times a month should be fine. I’ll let Vishaquatics handle the fert questions. I’m not exactly an expert on ferts... I can’t help you with price, as I mostly just give my extra plants away, but for portions I would go a bit bigger for the salvinia and medium for the frogbit. I stick to small portions for most plants so they can recover quickly, but floaters grow quickly. Frogbit grows fast when established, but I find it can take a bit longer to get to that point. Salvinia is a crazy fast grower, and you can get away with big portions. May I also recommend to add in some red root floaters? They seem to be in pretty high demand and I think you could make some decent money from them.

 

Cool idea! For water changes, I would still do some occasionally. Not as often as you have to do with fish, but it’s still good to occasionally replace some water. A few times a month should be fine. I’ll let Vishaquatics handle the fert questions. I’m not exactly an expert on ferts... I can’t help you with price, as I mostly just give my extra plants away, but for portions I would go a bit bigger for the salvinia and medium for the frogbit. I stick to small portions for most plants so they can recover quickly, but floaters grow quickly. Frogbit grows fast when established, but I find it can take a bit longer to get to that point. Salvinia is a crazy fast grower, and you can get away with big portions. May I also recommend to add in some red root floaters? They seem to be in pretty high demand and I think you could make some decent money from them.

Thanks! That's what I was thinking for water changes. Maybe I'll do them when I have a lot of sales since these things will be one the ground making it a bit tricky to do a WC. I was thinking of just picking up any visible dead plant matter with my tweezers and then scooping the water out with a cup and then replacing it the same way. The Frogbit is pretty established in my tanks and grows very fast. I would have 2 of these containers. One for Salvinia and one for frogbit. Maybe I'll get some when I have some more money and after I stock my 29g. Thanks for the help!

GOD! I need to get my hands on some red root floaters! They are a buck a piece online!

 

GOD! I need to get my hands on some red root floaters! They are a buck a piece online!

They’re awesome plants, the only reason o don’t have them yet is that price! People go crazy for them though. I’ve seen people who refuse to grow any floater other than them. I’m planning to start growing for profit soon, and they’ll be one of the plants I add on to my collection.

 

They’re awesome plants, the only reason o don’t have them yet is that price! People go crazy for them though. I’ve seen people who refuse to grow any floater other than them. I’m planning to start growing for profit soon, and they’ll be one of the plants I add on to my collection.

Yup. Now I just have to work to get some...

 

The containers you linked make me nervous to use, especially indoors. Reason being is that these aluminum containers are really easy to bend around and you'll notice major bowing over time in something like this. These also are not designed to hold water for long periods of time. I think something like this is much better, but it's up to you:
https://www.amazon.com/Teyyvn-Plast...d+50+gallon+stock+tank&qid=1606502110&sr=8-10

For containers, you'll want something that is heavy duty plastic, BPA free, and is non-toxic (food grade does not always equal aquarium-safe, check the recycling sign to see which plastics are safe).

Use your Easy Green about 2x a week at full dose. Maybe more if you start noticing deficiencies.

As for portions, I like to go really, really large. I do a gigantic handful portion for $6 of salvinia. My handful portions are often big enough to tightly pack a sandwich sized ziplock bag. RRFs are definitely a good one to do for profit.

 

The containers you linked make me nervous to use, especially indoors. Reason being is that these aluminum containers are really easy to bend around and you'll notice major bowing over time in something like this. These also are not designed to hold water for long periods of time. I think something like this is much better, but it's up to you:
https://www.amazon.com/Teyyvn-Plast...d+50+gallon+stock+tank&qid=1606502110&sr=8-10

For containers, you'll want something that is heavy duty plastic, BPA free, and is non-toxic (food grade does not always equal aquarium-safe, check the recycling sign to see which plastics are safe).

Use your Easy Green about 2x a week at full dose. Maybe more if you start noticing deficiencies.

As for portions, I like to go really, really large. I do a gigantic handful portion for $6 of salvinia. My handful portions are often big enough to tightly pack a sandwich sized ziplock bag. RRFs are definitely a good one to do for profit.

These containers are rather short term and will only hold the water for maybe a month until I have the money to upgrade. Then I will get those ones you linked as they look very nice and for a good price.

Ok. Will do.

Sounds good. Where do you think I should sell? I was thinking of selling to an LFS...

 

It depends on the LFS in your area and your relationship with them. Realistically, if you're planning on selling to an LFS, you can't sell your salvinia to them at a retail price. Rather, you'd likely have to sell your plants at a wholesale price or slightly more, which is next to nothing when you're running at such a small scale. If you're looking for store credit or a couple of extra bucks here or there, then this is a decent option. But if you're looking to make a business out of this, it'd be best to explore all options first.

You're also located in CA so I think this story may be relevant for you:

When I was about 12, I used to sell adult guppies to my LFS for store credit. I got around $0.25-$0.50 per fish which was great at the time. I always left the LFS with a new plant or a new fish. At around 14-15, I started the beginning of Vishaquatics. That same LFS would not purchase fish or plants from me for cash because 1) I was too young and 2) they were strapped for cash as are most mom and pop shops. It also didn't help that I didn't have any proper licensing (at the time).

On a similar note note, when I got my CA nursery license, the inspector told me not to buy plants from unlicensed sources. Every time I purchase plants, I'm expected to send in a report of the plants I bought and from which shop I purchased it. I'm sure an LFS will likely operate by similar policies for legal/licensing reasons.

I sell exclusively online now. Is the online approach the best for everyone? Probably not. Is this online approach best for you? You'll need to analyze your options extensively and come to that decision yourself after exploring all possible options.

If you haven't already, I'd highly recommend watching Aquarium Coops series on breeding fish for profit. While the actual breeding specifics aren't that important to you, Cory's advice on creating a relationship with an LFS is spot on.

 

It depends on the LFS in your area and your relationship with them. Realistically, if you're planning on selling to an LFS, you can't sell your salvinia to them at a retail price. Rather, you'd likely have to sell your plants at a wholesale price or slightly more, which is next to nothing when you're running at such a small scale. If you're looking for store credit or a couple of extra bucks here or there, then this is a decent option. But if you're looking to make a business out of this, it'd be best to explore all options first.

You're also located in CA so I think this story may be relevant for you:

When I was about 12, I used to sell adult guppies to my LFS for store credit. I got around $0.25-$0.50 per fish which was great at the time. I always left the LFS with a new plant or a new fish. At around 14-15, I started the beginning of Vishaquatics. That same LFS would not purchase fish or plants from me for cash because 1) I was too young and 2) they were strapped for cash as are most mom and pop shops. It also didn't help that I didn't have any proper licensing (at the time).

On a similar note note, when I got my CA nursery license, the inspector told me not to buy plants from unlicensed sources. Every time I purchase plants, I'm expected to send in a report of the plants I bought and from which shop I purchased it. I'm sure an LFS will likely operate by similar policies for legal/licensing reasons.

I sell exclusively online now. Is the online approach the best for everyone? Probably not. Is this online approach best for you? You'll need to analyze your options extensively and come to that decision yourself after exploring all possible options.

If you haven't already, I'd highly recommend watching Aquarium Coops series on breeding fish for profit. While the actual breeding specifics aren't that important to you, Cory's advice on creating a relationship with an LFS is spot on.

Ok. Thanks! I found some LFS that will take them...

 

So will you have pest free plants? If you could guarantee that, I think it will give you the option to demand premium pricing.

 

So will you have pest free plants? If you could guarantee that, I think it will give you the option to demand premium pricing.

Yes. Hitchhiker (Snails, Plantaria etc) free, but I don't think I can guarantee algae free...

 

The containers you linked make me nervous to use, especially indoors. Reason being is that these aluminum containers are really easy to bend around and you'll notice major bowing over time in something like this. These also are not designed to hold water for long periods of time. I think something like this is much better, but it's up to you:
https://www.amazon.com/Teyyvn-Plast...d+50+gallon+stock+tank&qid=1606502110&sr=8-10

For containers, you'll want something that is heavy duty plastic, BPA free, and is non-toxic (food grade does not always equal aquarium-safe, check the recycling sign to see which plastics are safe).

Use your Easy Green about 2x a week at full dose. Maybe more if you start noticing deficiencies.

As for portions, I like to go really, really large. I do a gigantic handful portion for $6 of salvinia. My handful portions are often big enough to tightly pack a sandwich sized ziplock bag. RRFs are definitely a good one to do for profit.

I found a different tub that is BPA free and made of polypropylene, is it safe?

 

Yes. Hitchhiker (Snails, Plantaria etc) free, but I don't think I can guarantee algae free...

Algae is okay, snails cause the biggest complaints

 

Algae is okay, snails cause the biggest complaints

Ok. Then these are 100% Snail/Worm free. I set the plastic tub. I am only going to be doing Salvinia Minima because that is what the people in my area want.

 

Ok. Then these are 100% Snail/Worm free. I set the plastic tub. I am only going to be doing Salvinia Minima because that is what the people in my area want.

I can see why. Salvinia is one of my favorite floaters.

 

I can see why. Salvinia is one of my favorite floaters.

Yup. Is $30 for a 12" x 12" sheet of salvinia minima a scam? That's what one LFS said he would do....

 

In a pail you only need 1 of each and they will grow unbounded. Just look at my "what are you doing..." pail. Anyway I have snails, shrimp and a few guppies that magically appeared in my pail - i do a water change about once every 4 weeks - just small one to get rid of some of the mystery snail poop. They poop a mess. I have no clue for sure what is actually in the pail since i can't see through the sides and the entire top is blocked by frogbit. Anyway frogbit is one of those plants that never stops making baby frogbits. I should probably throw some of it away but i'm worried i'll pull something else out since the roots are 2+ feet long and very clingy. It is a mess down there. I wonder if any of the shrimps are still alive. shrimp makes an excellent dinner.

 

In a pail you only need 1 of each and they will grow unbounded. Just look at my "what are you doing..." pail. Anyway I have snails, shrimp and a few guppies that magically appeared in my pail - i do a water change about once every 4 weeks - just small one to get rid of some of the mystery snail poop. They poop a mess. I have no clue for sure what is actually in the pail since i can't see through the sides and the entire top is blocked by frogbit. Anyway frogbit is one of those plants that never stops making baby frogbits. I should probably throw some of it away but i'm worried i'll pull something else out since the roots are 2+ feet long and very clingy. It is a mess down there. I wonder if any of the shrimps are still alive. shrimp makes an excellent dinner.

What do you do so you don't have smell, stagnant water? I am using an air stone, but It sorta slowly pushes all the salvinia into the corners since it is the in the middle. I feel that if I lower the air flow then it will not move the water enough. I have had fart smelling stagnant water once and never want to have it again.

 

I do have a spare sponge filter, but it's a bit tall...

 

Yup. Is $30 for a 12" x 12" sheet of salvinia minima a scam? That's what one LFS said he would do....

Solid deal IMO. Especially if they are willing to do cash as opposed to store credit.

EDIT: Just realized that one of my handfuls of salvinia is already around 10"x10" or even more depending on how much I heap it. I do that for $6. 12x12 @ $30 is an absolutely incredible deal.

As far as pests go, I think algae and other pests matters more than snails. Bladder snails, ramshorn snails, and MTS are generally just looked upon as a naturally occurring thing. Most buyers don't care about that unless they specifically request for snail-free plants. However, if you have algae in your plants or other pests (worms, hydras, planaria, mosquito larvae), that is far more detrimental to the quality of your plants and your reputation.

 

agreed, unreal deal. I'd be growing one foot squares all day long lol

 

Solid deal IMO. Especially if they are willing to do cash as opposed to store credit.

EDIT: Just realized that one of my handfuls of salvinia is already around 10"x10" or even more depending on how much I heap it. I do that for $6. 12x12 @ $30 is an absolutely incredible deal.

As far as pests go, I think algae and other pests matters more than snails. Bladder snails, ramshorn snails, and MTS are generally just looked upon as a naturally occurring thing. Most buyers don't care about that unless they specifically request for snail-free plants. However, if you have algae in your plants or other pests (worms, hydras, planaria, mosquito larvae), that is far more detrimental to the quality of your plants and your reputation.

How do would your prevent stagnant water without pushing the plants to the side?

I was thinking it was a pretty good deal. I grow out one of those containers and I will have one foot by foot portion + one foot by 6" portion. That's $45 from a 12" x 16" container with just an air pump and some ferts lol.

I am 95% sure that these plants are algae free as well, but they are for sure free of all other pests.

 

I have a small sponge filter in there. I also have guppies in there and guppies solve all problems.
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The pail was only like $2.49. Pails are the best 'cept you have no clue what is in them.

What do you do so you don't have smell, stagnant water? I am using an air stone, but It sorta slowly pushes all the salvinia into the corners since it is the in the middle. I feel that if I lower the air flow then it will not move the water enough. I have had fart smelling stagnant water once and never want to have it again.

 

I have a small sponge filter in there. I also have guppies in there and guppies solve all problems.
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The pail was only like $2.49. Pails are the best 'cept you have no clue what is in them.

Do you think I should set up my sponge in there then?

 

Also, how long should I leave the light on for? The light is anywhere from 5-8" above the plants.

 

I don't know. I did it because the guppies appeared one day. Then i started throwing in extra mystery snails because i had too many to ship and they were annoying the otto in the 40B so i needed a sponge filter in there. Can't say if that is what keeps things clean or not.
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I leave the light on random amount but around 5 or 6 hours a day. Sometimes as little as 4. It is a very bright light and it is only a few inches above the frogbit. To be honest I was also testing that light as some people use them as aquarium lights and they are dirt cheap (compared to higher end aquarium lights). Can't say i love the tone but the frogbit sure does grow with it.

Do you think I should set up my sponge in there then?

 

Ok for water movement to keep the smelly water away should I:
a) keep the air stone
b) set up the sponge filter
c) don't do either and rely on evaporation and top offs to create water movement

 

I say just the airstone should be fine. That creates enough movement to prevent that unpleasant smell.

 

Also, how long should I leave the light on for? The light is anywhere from 5-8" above the plants.

And for lighting, I leave mine on around 5-6 hours a day from 7AM to either 12PM or 1PM, depending on the container. I keep it about 4 inches above the plants.

 

This is what it should look like if you are successful. This is about 2 months old:

 

For sufficient water movement, use an airstone at low intensity. Try to get an adjustable air pump so you can adjust the flow of the air.

 

For sufficient water movement, use an airstone at low intensity. Try to get an adjustable air pump so you can adjust the flow of the air.

I have one so I'll use it on low.

 

I use valves on all my air pumps so i can precisely adjust the flow to whatever.... usually sponge filters but occasionally air stone or fry pen.

 

I use valves on all my air pumps so i can precisely adjust the flow to whatever.... usually sponge filters but occasionally air stone or fry pen.

I have a valve on mine.