too hard to -plant plants!!!!

[K_S_W_I_S_S]

i hate planting the plants... it pisses me off! i can never just get it to go in and stay there. i got my new plants from aquatic-store and took forever to get them in the gravel. is there an easier way to do it??

[Mantis_22]

patience could be a good start, make a lil cup like whole in the gravel then work the gravel around the roots.. Its it that hard?? lol

[Glenstorm]

I read somethins somewhere that suggested using a tablespoon to help with planting. It suggested holding the plant so that the roots are shielded by the spoon and drawing the spoon through the substrate. Then backfill the hole that you made. The spoon shields the roots from being scraped up too much.


If someone else can remember where they have seen this please provide a link. It was described much better there.

[10_Gallons]

Sometimes the fish will also pull them out, which is frustrating. The plants that come in clumps but can separate are the worst.

Anyway, yes, make a deep hole, and make sure that your layer of gravel is quite thick.

[superstein61]

Go to your local hardware store and buy the cheapest pair of needlenose pliers (or something similiar) you can find. I picked up mine at Sears dollar Days for, well a dollar :D

then just grasp the stem between the needlenose pliers and plunge that into the gravel. Slightly release the pressure and pull the pliers out - the stem will stay put where you want it. Works like a charm.