Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Having trouble picking bromeliad's for my tanks. What would be the best sp.? I have tried some from the local H. D but both did not hold up long in the conditions of the tank.
Thanks in advance.
ADAM

Hi Adam,
I personally like the Neoregalia species in my vivariums mainly because they stay somewhat small depending on the species. The ones you got from home depot are most likely viresia species which usually do well too, but as with any bromeliad, without proper ventalation or waterlogged soil, they will rot within a few weeks. Increase your ventilation before you try any others because from my experience, there is no bromeliad out there which doesnt rot when constantly wet. You could also mount them up high in the tank so they are closer to the light and the ventalation. This way, the roots dont have a chance to get soaked either. Good luck to you.
-David Taylor

>>Having trouble picking bromeliad's for my tanks. What would be the best sp.? I have tried some from the local H. D but both did not hold up long in the conditions of the tank.
>>Thanks in advance.
>>ADAM

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"The day we would limit ourselves or adapt to the music scene, would be the day Opeth dies." -Mikael Akerfeldt; lead singer and genious behind the metal band Opeth.

Audiotaylor (David) hit the nail on the head. How is your tank setup? Any ventilation or can you mount the broms on a background? I would be more than happy to help you pick out some broms that will work.
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Ken
Peace of the Tropics
www.PeaceOfTheTropics.com

Bastimentos pumilios
Blue jean pumilios
BriBri pumilios
Intermedius
Lamasi
Imitators
Ventrimaculatus
Fantasticus
Aurataenias
Vittatus
Tricolors
Auratus
Red trivitattus
Green trivitattus

I hate to sound like a parrot, but you've gotten some good advice from these two guys. I personally prefer the Neoregelias because they tend to have more substance (thicker) leaves and maintain a more compact growth . . . and most grow stoloniferously (they sort of send out runners), which makes it easy to remove the pups when they are grown big enough.

I have had good luck growing broms in my substrate in a 50 gallon terrarium with humidity that ranges from 85-100% at all times. However, my substrate is an orchid mix-type which drains well and has a lot of air pockets (Sarah and Melissa at Quality Captives could hook you up with the ingredients, and I'll give you my "recipe" if interested).

By the way, if you're really interested in buying some NICE Neo's, you should take Ken up on his offer to help you out. He has some AWESOME bromeliads in right now. I'm hoping he doesn't run out before I get a chance to clean him out a bit.
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Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense

peaceofthetropics also sells heaps of different broms for great prices.

luke z
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http://luke_zecevic.tripod.com/frogsofaustralia

Yeah, Ken runs Peaceofthetropics.com. I guess I should have clarified, but I thought it was apparent from his previous post. Anyway, his new selection of broms is great.
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Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense