15 replies to this topic

[kassysimon]

Hi guys.

I would like to remove about 2 inches of gravel and replace it with play sand as my plants keep on coming out of the substrate. (This should hold them down better shouldnt it?)

Seeing as my tank is three meters long, what suggestions do you have to make this as easy as possible without too many plants having to be removed?

thanks

[Flash Pleco]

I don't know about anyone else's experiences, but having changed from gravel to sand substrate, I find it is much harder to keep plants in place, possibly because the fish can relandscape it so much easier.

The sand moves around a lot - carefully sculpted hills vanish within a few days!

The grass isn't always greener on the other side!

[kassysimon]

hmmm....what can i do then to stop the plants from coming out?

[Bowdy]

Strip it and start from scratch mate.

[kassysimon]

Start from scratch and use sand?

[Anka]

You can buy plant anchors (bendable non-toxic metal strips) that are designed for aquarium use. You simply wrap them around the plants roots and it will weigh it down.

They are about $3 for 12. AOA stock them, so do Aquotix I believe.

(Edit: spelling)

Edited by Anka, 10 September 2012 - 08:08 PM.

[Craig]

Plant anchors are a waste of time and they restrict growth.

How about focussing on better plant growth so the roots take hold. Sand wsnt make them any more likely to send down roots.

[kassysimon]

i get great plant growth but the issue is holding the plants down long enough for them to take root.

Some times they even come out after a few hours.

Depending on the type of plant of course

Stems are the culprits.

[scarab]

the trick i find is not to just stick the stem vertically in. You need to stick in and shift it a little to the side as well, so that the gravel will rearrange themselves around the stem holding it in place rather that forming a perfect straight shaft when u just stick it in. Im not sure if you get what i mean, but basically just shift it a little after inserting it into the gravel. Its not perfect but it holds my plants in place 90% of the time.

[kassysimon]

sounds like a plan!

so insert the plant into the gravel on an angle?

[Anka]

I don't think that's what he means.

Insert the stem vertically, then move it to the side (while still vertical). That way the gravel rearranges around the stem.

[scarab]

yup. Anka is right.

[Westie]

do you have a bristlenose in your tank? fish can be the culprit too sometimes

[kassysimon]

i have about 10 BN and 7 SAE's so that may be it too.....

[Westie]

b/n can and do uproot stems

[Virt]

You may find a mix of sand and gravel may work well for you if that's your thing, the gravel should provide a bit of weight and anchorage for your roots and the sand will fill all the small gaps left by the gravel.