Star Grass
- Thread starter fermentedhiker
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fermentedhiker
Well-Known Member
Not sure to be honest. I sent out an email to a couple collectors in FLA and the first to reply said it's not allowed anymore. It seems like I never see it in stock at Floridapets. I've been checking occasionally for a couple of years. I never did set up an email alert though so maybe I just missed it.
a hill
Active Member
Old thread but I just had this told to me by a reputable seller. However he had no more information.
I looked into it and there’s no law or restrictions on the books except for johnsonii the endangered one.
I think they don’t get permits for rooted plants now for collection. I have yet to figure out why. There’s nothing illegal or prohibited around seagrass (apartfor the exception).
Another theory is because of the legal implications of Johnson’s Seagrass no one is touching any Seagrass due to liability concerns since they aren’t Seagrass experts.
There’s the one site that spammed here a while back. Claiming to be Seagrass aquaculture business, but I’m not quite sure they exist as the claim. Been debating calling or something, haven’t had the chance.
If you have a friend who lives in Florida and they pull up some while anchored or fishing and it’s not in a restricted zone it seems there is no restriction as long as they don’t sell it commercially.
It is messy and I am not an expert or lawyer, consult one before doing anything.
I’m hoping to acquire some of each legal type to cultivate for hobbyists like myself. It seems like it’ll be an interesting challenge, I might end up going to Florida myself.
-Andrew
I looked into it and there’s no law or restrictions on the books except for johnsonii the endangered one.
I think they don’t get permits for rooted plants now for collection. I have yet to figure out why. There’s nothing illegal or prohibited around seagrass (apartfor the exception).
Another theory is because of the legal implications of Johnson’s Seagrass no one is touching any Seagrass due to liability concerns since they aren’t Seagrass experts.
There’s the one site that spammed here a while back. Claiming to be Seagrass aquaculture business, but I’m not quite sure they exist as the claim. Been debating calling or something, haven’t had the chance.
If you have a friend who lives in Florida and they pull up some while anchored or fishing and it’s not in a restricted zone it seems there is no restriction as long as they don’t sell it commercially.
It is messy and I am not an expert or lawyer, consult one before doing anything.
I’m hoping to acquire some of each legal type to cultivate for hobbyists like myself. It seems like it’ll be an interesting challenge, I might end up going to Florida myself.
-Andrew
ThePurple12
Valuable Member
If you end up culturing some star or paddle grass, I'd be interested in some. I have shoal grass that's doing well and turtle grass that's growing slowly.
a hill
Active Member
I have half a dozen 10g aquariums that I used to grow freshwater moss in, I'm hoping to set some up for macro and grass. It seems that its super seasonally availble and very few hobbyists ever establish a large dense tank-full so its always people hunting for the stuff. Very frustrating.
I think one of the challenges is that it is not a coral, it needs almost the opposite of what coral reef tanks are set up as.
Macro algae and grasses are what I spend my summers on the water hunting minos and shrimp and things in. They're special to me.
-Andrew
ThePurple12
Valuable Member
My Johnson’s and shoal grass are doing great in my tank. It's half reef, half seagrass bed. Can you elaborate?
a hill
Active Member
In the simplest sense it wants a different mix of nutrients and light spectrum. However there is overlap when it comes to light for the most part. I'm planning on using horticulture bulbs like are used in a sump's refugium.
My understanding is that most grasses need at least 4 inches of sandbed and some prefer 6+ inches. This is not common these days in our aquariums.
That said, certain grasses really will not do well with a 10g tank so grasses may ultimately prefer a deeper tank.
Johnsonii is currently federally protected and I believe it is illegal to propagate. Its a shame because it is a beautiful plant and perfect for a nano tank. You might want to double check that. Getting a knock one morning on your door and having your fish tank rated is not all that great a way to start your day I'm told. (I don't know of anyone raided for seagrass, but other aquarium plants and animals) I'd just be cautious talking about it online.
-Andrew
ThePurple12
Valuable Member
I'm growing the grasses in 1-3" of sand, with the Johnsonii shallower than the shoal. I'm sure bigger grasses prefer deeper sand.
I learned about the Johnsonii being endangered after buying it...although a google search reveals a conservation status of "least concern"? You're right, I should shut up about it. This is why I want paddle grass, so I can keep it without feeling guilty!
