HELP w/Elongated Internodes

[Tyger]

QUESTION:

I have a vague recollection of reading somewhere what elongated internodes mean. Although this is not the case with all of my plants, I have found that it is especially the case with my Cambomba. I start with a beautiful, bushy Cambomba... and, no time later, we've got long lengths of stem between leaf nodes, which for me, makes the plant look gangly and less attractive. Oh, I should add that I dose nutrients reguarly and sufficiently though I tend to run lean on calcium which will rectified with dry fert order. Otherwise, I have solid Water Parameters, CO2, NPK & TEs. Other than calcium, I think the other thing that is my lighting is probably overkill though I have plans for DIY light stand to get a decent elevation (Catalina Aquarium Light [T5-HO] (Custom Made): 6700k (x2) & 10000k (x2) over a 65-Gallon 36Lx18Dx24T). Otherwise, the Cambomba seems fine and, for Cambomba, have nice rooting. So, I would appreciate information what are the possible causes and how to fix it?

Thanks, in advance, for taking a moment to help me learn,

~Tyger (Michael)~

[Cristy Keister]

It's usually, if not always, is lesser light than it had when growing compactly. You don't mention what kind of lights you have - ie, PC, T5, T5HO, T8 - and wattage. Also, is it possible that your bulbs are old or that the plant is shaded?

[Cristy Keister]

Scratch that - I see now that it is T5HO. The other Q's still apply.

[DelawareJim]

Could still be lower light levels. Cabomba is frequently grown in concrete tanks outside in full sun.

Cheers.
Jim

[fjf888]

You have a lot of light. You could try upping your nutrients and CO2 as well. The higher light drives CO2 and nutrient uptake. Its possible as the rest of your plants grow and utilize light and nutrients, that needs for ferts and CO2 will increase. I have seen people with real high lighting dose 2-3x recommended EI levels. I have had to dose higher levels at times to maintain growth.

Plants such as cabomba furcata and various red and purple cabombas do not like to be shaded. With these plants to a degree it might be inevitable that you are simply going to need to replant the tips. Chances are that's to a degree what's happening anyway if the plants are growing outside in full sun, you're getting the tips as well.

[jweis]

I found this info from http://www.aquascapingworld.com/plantpe ... %20Cabomba:

Cabomba furcata is a moderately demanding plant in that it requires high amounts of light and carbon dioxide to grow to its optimum potential. It is also important to maintain a nutrient rich substrate, clear water clarity, an acidic pH of 6.4-6.8, and soft water. When placed in these conditions, Cabomba furcata stems can reach a height of 32 inches (80 cm) and sprout out 2-3 fine red-brown leaves at each node.

In less than ideal conditions, Cabomba furcata’s leaves will slowly fall off and the stem will show longer growth between the leaf nodes.