I have purchased some new live plants; name escapes me. They were bound together with some metal "twist ties" to keep them submerged; plants want to float if binding is removed. Are these metal devices safe for my fish? Plants are growing roots and appear to be doing well. Can I just leave them at the base of the plants? Any suggestions or advise is welcome!
anchoring plants to substrate
- Thread starter micheline905
- Start date
Nope, you need to remove those. Also remove the sponge or wool if there is any. Separate the plants, and cut off the bottom bit, because the ends are usually ragged or rotting. If yours look healthy and are rooting, you don't have to, but it might still be a good idea. Then, depending on the size of the stems, you can plant them individually, or in small bunches of 3 or 4 stems. Just grab the bottom of the stem with your fingers, push it into the gravel, and pull your fingers out. It takes a big of getting used to, and small hands help 
Try not to crush them, or they will rot. They should root within days.
Try not to crush them, or they will rot. They should root within days.
The metal devices are lead weights, so you would probably want them in you tank for little or no time.
Try making a small mound of substrate at the base of the plant, this might keep it down. Of course, if you have digging fish or fish that scour the bottom for food, they will make this harder
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You said they are already starting to root, so the weights aren't really necessary. Personally, I take them off as soon as I get my plants home.
Graeme
Try making a small mound of substrate at the base of the plant, this might keep it down. Of course, if you have digging fish or fish that scour the bottom for food, they will make this harder
.You said they are already starting to root, so the weights aren't really necessary. Personally, I take them off as soon as I get my plants home.
Graeme
If you can't keep the plants down, leave the metal weights on.
IMO - they won't hurt the fish. ...
Two, three, four of those little weights can't hurt, but use them only with stubborn plants that don't stay put. Don't put them on too tight as that might damage the plant.
IMO - they won't hurt the fish. ...
Two, three, four of those little weights can't hurt, but use them only with stubborn plants that don't stay put. Don't put them on too tight as that might damage the plant.
I would not suggest having lead weights in the tank. Lead is a poison for fish just as it is for people.