plants for topless tank

**cradlefan** · 09-04-2012, 2:22 AM

I was wondering what the names were of the plants that grow outside the tank. I like the look of the roots in the tank and the leaves out of the tak. I just don't know what the names of those plants are.....Anyone got any ideas? Also, how do you fasten those plants to the rear of the tank?

**cradlefan** · 09-04-2012, 3:48 AM

Ok, so with lots of googling, I found the plant I was looking for. Philodendron. Anyway, I really like the way it looks with the roots growing in the water and the big awesome leaves outside and hanging over the tank. I was wondering how to attach it though. I don't really want to attach it to my manzanita branches. I mean they are in there pretty good, but it seems like a heavy load on top and I would hate to have it destroy my aquascape. Any suggestions on how to get it set in the aquarium without it looking to tacky. I have heard of people drilling holes in styrophome and sticking the stems through it, but I don't want a big ol' piece of that floating in my tank to detract from the overall nice appearance. Like,"Oh that tank is really nice, if it weren't for that big piece of floating trash in there. Thanks for any help and suggestions.

**Chrisinator** · 09-04-2012, 7:25 AM

Take a look at riparium planters

-Chris

**Palillom13** · 09-04-2012, 7:34 AM

U could silicon to stick sphagnum mosson the styrofoam to make it look more natural. Or u could just stick alotta java moss on it 😏

Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

**SubRosa** · 09-04-2012, 7:35 AM

You would be amazed to find out how many commonly kept, "fully aquatic" plants will grow out of the water if you let them. I have a friend who has grown Ammania gracilis and some sort of Hygrophila over 3' tall above the water level. The plant's structure changes to allow it to support itself without the buoyancy of being submerged, and you wouldn't recognize the new foliage. The Ammania even blooms for him, with little pale purple flowers.The tank is situated in a sunny window, and the back side facing the sun naturally covers with algae rapidly, so the plants are encouraged to get above water level to stay in the light.

**jpappy789** · 09-04-2012, 10:28 AM

Check out any of Hydrophyte's threads for more ideas

**TL1000RSquid** · 09-04-2012, 11:11 AM

Certain mangroves will grow alright in FW. Red's I think are one of them.

**jpappy789** · 09-04-2012, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by TL1000RSquid

Certain mangroves will grow alright in FW. Red's I think are one of them.

Hydrophyte is/was growing reds in FW.

**SubRosa** · 09-04-2012, 12:15 PM

Any mangrove will grow in FW if it germinates in FW.

**XanAvaloni** · 09-04-2012, 2:50 PM

there's also Pothos. Somebody here--I forget who, my apologies to them--used to take the lid off of aquaclear-type HOBs and put the pothos roots in there, then train the plant stems up the wall behind it with string and pushpins. Looked very nice. And also the roots provide nutrient takeup=filtration so you don't miss the effects of the refills you used to put in the HOB.