Tonina Fluviatilis Aquarium Plant: Full Product Description

• Scientific Name: Tonina fluviatilis
• Common Name: Tonina plant
• Plant Type: Stem plant
• Family: Eriocaulaceae
• Origin: South America

Overview:
Tonina Fluviatilis is a striking, bright green aquatic plant known for its delicate, star-shaped leaves and upright growth pattern. It’s a favorite among experienced aquascapers due to its challenging maintenance requirements and stunning visual appeal. The plant grows in a rosette formation, with thin, tall stems that can reach impressive heights, adding depth and dimension to aquariums.

Water Conditions

• Water Hardness: Soft water (0-3 dGH is ideal)
• pH Level: 4.5 to 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
• Water Temperature: 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F)
• CO2 Requirement: High (30 to 50 ppm for optimal growth)
• Lighting: Medium to high lighting (5-7 watts per gallon or stronger for deeper tanks)

Tonina Fluviatilis thrives in soft, slightly acidic water conditions, closely resembling the natural environments of South American rivers. Maintaining water conditions within these parameters ensures the plant's health and helps it retain its signature bright green color. Any deviation in water hardness or pH can lead to poor growth or even plant death, making this species better suited for more experienced hobbyists. High CO2 levels are crucial for sustained growth, and regular CO2 injections are highly recommended.

Maintenance Level

• Difficulty Level: High
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Fertilization: Needs a nutrient-rich substrate; regular dosing of macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients (iron, potassium, etc.) is essential.
• Trimming: Regular trimming is needed to maintain the desired shape and prevent it from overgrowing.
• Propagation: Can be propagated by cutting the stem and replanting in the substrate.

Tonina Fluviatilis requires consistent care and attention to thrive in an aquarium setting. Due to its demanding nature, it's best suited for hobbyists who can dedicate time to adjusting water parameters, ensuring proper CO2 levels, and delivering the right nutrients. A nutrient-rich substrate is critical to the plant's overall health, and liquid fertilizers will further promote vibrant growth. Regular trimming ensures that the plant stays compact and doesn't overwhelm other plants in the tank. While propagation is easy via stem cuttings, patience is required as the plant grows slowly.

Aquascaping and Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Suitable for medium to large tanks (20 gallons and above)
• Positioning: Ideal as a background or midground plant in aquascaping setups due to its vertical growth.
• Compatibility: Combines well with other soft-water plants like Rotala, Ludwigia, and Cryptocoryne species.

Tonina Fluviatilis adds a beautiful vertical dimension to aquascapes, making it an excellent choice for background planting. When grouped together, its star-shaped leaves create a striking visual that enhances the depth of an aquarium. It pairs wonderfully with other soft-water plants like Rotala and Ludwigia, giving the tank a cohesive, natural look. Given its slow growth, it doesn’t require frequent replanting, and it allows aquascapers to design long-lasting layouts.

Fish and Inhabitants that Love Tonina Fluviatilis

• Best Fish:
  • Neon Tetras
  • Cardinal Tetras
  • Discus
  • Dwarf Gourami
  • Apistogramma species
  • Rummy-Nose Tetras

Tonina Fluviatilis is particularly popular among aquarists with soft-water fish species. Discus fish, in particular, thrive in tanks with Tonina due to the plant's preference for similar water conditions. The dense foliage provides ample hiding spaces for small fish like Neon and Cardinal Tetras, allowing them to feel more secure. These species often appreciate the cover and shelter provided by the plant’s dense leaves.

• Invertebrates:
  • Caridina Shrimp (Crystal Red Shrimp, Bee Shrimp, etc.)
  • Amano Shrimp

Shrimp species like Crystal Red Shrimp and Bee Shrimp benefit from Tonina Fluviatilis, as it provides excellent foraging grounds. The plant’s dense growth traps food particles, offering plenty of surfaces for algae and biofilm to grow, a food source for these invertebrates.

Additional Tips for Growing Tonina Fluviatilis

• Water Purity: Given its sensitivity to water conditions, frequent water changes (around 20-30% weekly) are necessary to keep Tonina Fluviatilis thriving. The use of reverse osmosis (RO) water is highly recommended to maintain the soft water that the plant prefers.

• Nutrient Management: Ensure proper nutrient dosing, especially in tanks with high lighting and CO2. Iron deficiency can cause yellowing of the leaves, so it’s essential to include an iron-rich fertilizer in the maintenance routine.

• Avoid Algae Growth: High lighting, necessary for this plant, can lead to unwanted algae growth. Therefore, it's important to find the right balance in lighting duration and ensure consistent CO2 and nutrient dosing to prevent algae from overtaking the plant.