Thoughts on orchids in aquariums?

[RoutineDisco]

Hi everyone,

I’m setting up a new 60gal aquarium and I’m thinking about trying some orchids. I’m running a hang on back filter so there should be decent oxygenation by the output.

My current thought process is to mount it and let the filter run over the roots, or just letting some roots dangle into the water. Has anyone tried this or done something similar? I’ve heard of people growing phals like this but haven’t heard whether or not it’s successful long term.

I’ve also been thinking about trying my hand at deflasking recently - I could try with a few seedlings…while they are obviously more sensitive I figure they may be able to adapt and stay in a wetter environment for (hopefully) several years.

Does anyone have thoughts on the idea or suggested genera/species? I was thinking about orchids like the aganisia cyanea since they’re warm growing and have a very wet growing season, but I’m concerned about nutrients and water parameters since I use tap water with my tanks. I saw one thread about someone growing a restrepia similarly to what I’m thinking of doing but besides that I’ve heard very little about people trying this with anything besides phalaenopsis.

[estación seca]

Of the plants you mentioned, Aganisia would be the first I'd try this way.

[Henry]

Are you going to have fish also.
Cichlids were my favorite.

wow, 1996!
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[RoutineDisco]

Yes, one parrot cichlid and possibly a medium sized pleco and/or catfish.

[Blueszz]

Originally Posted by RoutineDisco

Yes, one parrot cichlid and possibly a medium sized pleco and/or catfish.

Are we talking about the red blood parrot fish?

If roots disturb the (red blood) parrot cichlid, it will push and tug it a way. I've seen mine doing that wit leaves from a larger species Anubias. The Pleco might eat roots.

I had a HOB breedingbox wich I used for plants. Never tried orchids though, but the well known Pothos.

I had another Pothos on top of the tank. Which allowed me to compare growth rate, leaf size etc. The one in the HOB excelled the other in all thinkable ways.