Free no more

For a while, I experimented with giving out free aquarium plants as a way to interact with readers of this blog.

This was a fun experiment but I am no longer offering free aquarium plants. My surplus cuttings of non-restricted plants will be brought to the local Freshwater Gardeners Club plant exchange whenever opportune, as usual.

Reasons for this vary: First of all, this was a temporary experiment. I could not possibly have done this long-term. Most responders wouldn't or couldn't pay shipping costs, which I had to pocket myself. Secondly, some aquatics in the hobby appear on the federal noxious weed list. These cannot be sold, nor can they be exchanged. I would have to keep myself current on this list at all times. Thirdly, my supply of aquarium plants is quite small. I'm just a hobbyist with with four small aquariums in my home.

I wish to thank those who responded and benefited. Keep in touch.

By the way, if you live in the continental US and are looking for aquarium plants, I recommend the following online shops.

Doctors Foster and Smith - I've purchased plants from this excellent shop several times. I was always pleasantly surprised by the service and quality of the specimens.

That Fish Place - Another excellent store I use frequently.

Pet Solutions - This is the first online shop from which I purchased aquarium plants. Their service is excellent.

Aquatic Magic - I've just recently discovered this eBay store.  They offer free shipping on many items and have quite a nice selection of plants. This shop also delivers to Europe.