Plant roots, substrate questions

abcdefghi

abcdefghi

AC Members
Jun 6, 2007
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When moving plants with a bunch of roots, whats the best way to bury the roots again? When I moved my tanks a few months ago a couple of my plants (mostly swords and some crypts) had huge long roots which I was never able to fully submerge again. So it looks a bit of a mess with some roots hanging out above the substrate, when moving plants is there some trick to getting all the roots planted again? is it safe to trim the roots to a shorter length?

Also, are there any plant substrates that do not affect pH or create ammonia spikes when introducing them to the tank? Most things I have read indicate that substrates can cause an ammonia spike or lower pH. My ph is already low (and I have very soft water) so I don't want it getting any lower, and since the tank will already have stock an ammonia spike is not going go be very helpful either.

Thanks.
 
I usually coil the roots up into a neat little circle or ball by winding it around my finger and bury the whole thing. I've never been partial to trimming the root system, not sure if it's bad, but it can't be good for the plant.
 
abcdefghi said:
When moving plants with a bunch of roots, whats the best way to bury the roots again? When I moved my tanks a few months ago a couple of my plants (mostly swords and some crypts) had huge long roots which I was never able to fully submerge again. So it looks a bit of a mess with some roots hanging out above the substrate, when moving plants is there some trick to getting all the roots planted again? is it safe to trim the roots to a shorter length?

Also, are there any plant substrates that do not affect pH or create ammonia spikes when introducing them to the tank? Most things I have read indicate that substrates can cause an ammonia spike or lower pH. My ph is already low (and I have very soft water) so I don't want it getting any lower, and since the tank will already have stock an ammonia spike is not going go be very helpful either.

Thanks.
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I actually trim my roots when im replanting plants.. Ive tried the whole rolling it into a bun and burying it but saw that the roots had trouble spreading.. If you cut the roots and leave about 2-3" by the plant it will be enough for it to get back started on spreading..

Substrates.. with a planted tank you dont have to worry much about ammonia spikes (unless its like with AquaSoil).. Most like flourite,eco complete, sms will not affect ph and wont give an ammonia spike. Whats your pH at the moment out the tap? I also have soft water here in NYC and out the tap pH is 7.. after i add it to the tank and with co2 running, it drops to.. well below what the chart can read.. And thats not a problem at all, plants love an acidic/soft water environment (there are a few which do better in harder water.. but most go with soft)
 
Go ahead and trim the roots, leaving perhaps 2". The plants will be fine.
 
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