tank quick fix questions

[featherfin]

i have a bunch of plants with nearly no roots attached and i can't get them to stay in the gravel what can i do? i was thinking of putting them in film bottles and pouring gravel over the roots then conceling them behind rocks until they are large enough to go directly into the gravel. ( there is not much gravel in the tank and it's very fine.) also could you use a plastic pot scrubber as a filter? they seem fine enough but i don't know about toxins.

thanks.

[dan2x38]

I read you can use plastic pot scrubbers but of course no detergents... I use the cheap dense ones in my QT & fry tanks.

What type of plants?

[Fishnut]

A fine gravel is ok, but you should have a couple of inches at the bottom for plants.  If the plants are bunch plants and you have enough gravel, you'll be able to bury the stem in the gravel deep enough that the plant won't float up.  It's best to place them in an area with low water flow until the roots are established enough to hold it in one place.  If it's not a bunch plant, then perhaps try wedgeing in between a couple of ornaments or rocks until the roots grow...without squishing it of course!

As long as those plastic scrubbers are detergent free, you can use them.  Some people use them instead of bio balls in sump filters and pond filters.

[dan2x38]

I use a bit of cotton twine & tie the stems togeather without damaging the plant. I leave a piece dangling to tie to a rock, driftwood, decoration, etc. When it roots remove the twine stick it in the gravel carefully. Cut away the leaves at the bottom before tieing it toeather so it will not rot.

[featherfin]

thanks for the advice. i just tied the plants down and put more gravel down. hopefully they will grow. ( they are swords)

thanks