plants, more than Crypts, Java fern and Anubias and will grow comfortably in much the same light as floating hornwort or water sprite. The floaters could shield the light from your Aponogeton however.
Even though you may not like them as much, you may not want to get rid of the floating leaves. Maybe they are a natural part of this season (when, as you mention, the plants are in turbid water.) It is difficult to program seasonal plants to do the same things all the time in an aquarium. The floating leaves may be gathering nutrients which will build up the bulb. Some Aponogeton will then go into a resting phase (hibernation effectively). Their regeneration will depend upon the strengthof the bulb.
Yours is an interesting question about the gravel vac. Change water, skip the vac once and just watch. You have been setting the observational bar for many of us.
That seasonal cycle of the plants may also help you (or an authority presented with your observations) to identify them by species.
Your observation about incidental light though the window is neat. I don't think we realize what a difference an hour or so of direct light or several hours of diffused light make in an aquarium. Right now, as the sun angles north and "seems" stronger in my fishroom (while fall and winter are setting in down in Oz) certain plants are thriving in tanks where they haven't done so well since last summer!
Often we are away at work or otherwise occupied with responsibilities and don't get a chance to observe what additional sources of light an aquarium might have. If you can watch on a weekend and make mental or written notes, the seasonal patterns will reveal things you never realized. :)
All the best,
Scott Davis
Immediate Help
