Crazy Root Systems (photo)

[jere1558]

This is my first attempt at a planted aquarium. So far so good. Lighting is perfect, running 2 RedSea Turbo CO2 Bio Systems (each is good for up to 40 gal), plant food once a week.

55g
2 medium driftwood
Rena XP3
Nova Extreme Something or Other Light (too lazy to go find the lit)
2 adult Pearl Gourami
2 adult Dwarf Gourami
1 "almost" adult Angel
5 Red Eye Tetra
1 Clown Pleco
1 (I think just one) Otto
Numerous snails

I have clipped and replanted several times now. The plants are now developing these "ugly" trailing root systems. Am I doing something wrong or is this normal? I'm thinking I could cut a largish section and set in the substrate and get more going. ???

[Ozymandias]

no that normal stem plants do it all the time

[jmhart]

This is definitely a good way to propogate. In my experience, roots like these are an indication of deficiency. Not a deficiency of any one nutrient, but that overall nutrient levels are low, so that the plant is searching for more.

Others disagree with me.

No matter what, you can simply cut these roots off if you aren't ready to "top" the plant and would prefer to get rid of just the roots.

[jere1558]

So maybe feeding the plants once is week is not enough?! Using Kent Freshwater Formula K w/Potassium & Iron. 3 caps once a week. Maybe more is needed. Just afraid of over dosing and harming the fish (the primary reason for having the tank!).

[Fordtrannyman]

This is definitely a good way to propogate. In my experience, roots like these are an indication of deficiency. Not a deficiency of any one nutrient, but that overall nutrient levels are low, so that the plant is searching for more.

Others disagree with me.

No matter what, you can simply cut these roots off if you aren't ready to "top" the plant and would prefer to get rid of just the roots.

IME this is 100% accurate!
Sounds like your ready to step up to EI dosing.:)

[jere1558]

Sorry for my ignorance...what is EI dosing?

[gsparsan]

I thought stem plants put out so many roots when the main source of nutrients is the water rather than the substrate.

[Hooked Newbie]

Stem plants should get the majority of nutrients through their planted roots. This is a sign of either a deficiency OR an extremely healthy plant trying to propogate IMO. As far as the roots, I disagree about them being "ugly", I think it gives a very natural appearance and environment for the fish. If you don't like them, it's time to put some clipping up on the classifieds. ;)