Would this work?

[pcnicholson]

Ok, first off, thanks to all of you that have answered my previous posts you've been a great help!

After a bit of looking in my lfs's I think I understand how to do a rugf system and I really like the idea. On searching the forums I see some people have issues with real plant roots invading the ugf and I really want alot of plants in my tank. So here's my thought: After laying out the ugf how about if it was covered in a fine mesh screen cut to size? Would this serve to cut off the root system invasion while still allowing good water flow up through the gravel bed?

Thoughts anyone?

 

[Rbishop]

It may be effective at stopping root growth, but it may cut down the flow thru the plates more than you like. Possibly you would have to compensate with larger power heads.

Since I keep a lot of cichlids, I maintain a lot of my plants in shallow pots.

 

[skeletonhand]

I would venture to say that the root would still be able to penetrate fine mesh. The caps on the very tips of the roots can be as very small. Like the size of a handful of cells. I don't have any experience with UGF's. Just my $0.02!!

 

[Mgamer20o0]

it would still get in there i would think. if your worried about the roots getting in you might want to try something different.

 

[lazyNode]

I missed your other thread, but have you considered putting your plants into pots? That way you will have more control of the roots and growth of plants.