Attaching Java Fern/anubias

[jennybugs]

I have a good friend who when he first started out in fishkeeping and got a big tank, took the painstaking time to superglue his amazon sword plants to pebbles, mistaking them for having to be stuck or sewn to wood or rocks Porr chap took it well when we pointed out his error

 

[Deleted member 55926]

I used very fine fishing wire to attach my java fern to a lump of bogwood and it's fine. I don't really know how long it takes for the roots to take hold though. It's been about 4 weeks. I was thinking of reattaching it with superglue instead.

took the painstaking time to superglue his amazon sword plants to pebbles, mistaking them for having to be stuck or sewn to wood or rocks

Haha, oops.

 

[waterdrop]

Agree with Truck. Superglue is widely accepted in the planted tank world for attaching a few roots here and there to a piece of hardscape like wood or a rock. Invisible to the eye, very effective long term and totally safe (unless you glue yourself in the process )

In your case though you can also consider which plant bases will be visible. For example, I have an Anubia Nana that is simply tied to a medium sized round rock with a "twist-em" from the kitchen (plasic covered, not paper twist-em and sometimes I laugh and think the slightly rusting little wire might actually give my plants some iron nutrient!) The base of the anubia is usually hidden but the plant is very easily moved for substrate cleaning or re-arrangement. Since its hidden, the twistem was easier than the glue. Java ferns out on the front of your main wood would be better with the glue I would think.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Deleted member 55926]

WD, doesn't your anubias look a bit odd with all the roots on show? I have buried most of my roots but with the rhizome clearly above the gravel, so that it's anchored but loosely. I think it would otherwise look like it should be planted, as if it's come loose or it's just been thrown in the tank. The java fern looks good attached to wood but then the roots are very fine and dark brown, whereas the anubias' roots are white and thick.

 

[Gilli]

A word of warning for those who are using thread - some fishkeeprs on this forum have lost fish that have become entangled and trapped by it. You need to make sure there are no gaps.

 

[Floyds mum]

Which part is the rhizome? is it the thickest bit?

 

[Truck]

The bit where the roots and the stems come out of. the big chunky long bulb at the bottom.

 

[Floyds mum]

Ah thanx so as long as that part is above the substrate the roots can be submerged?

 

[AdAndrews]

I use cable ties

 

[Floyds mum]

Ive got some java fern plantlets that are in small tubs atm with tank water in, what can i tie them to?
Items commonly found around the home.

 

[Truck]

Pebbles, stones from the garden, I seriously wouldn't bother tying small ones, super glue would work a lot better.

 

[Floyds mum]

Pebbles, stones from the garden, I seriously wouldn't bother tying small ones, super glue would work a lot better.

Ok ty, so a few small dabs of glue on the roots would hold it securely?

 

[Truck]

on the rhizome, dry the rhizome, dab a few drops of glue on it, attach it to the rock and then leave 10 seconds, then put it in the tank.

 

[Floyds mum]

on the rhizome, dry the rhizome, dab a few drops of glue on it, attach it to the rock and then leave 10 seconds, then put it in the tank.

Oh right thanx will see if dad has any superglue and try it later, will let you all know how it goes.
Is there a specific name/brand of s.glue you use?

 

[Truck]

no specific brand, just look on the back and make sure it is cyanocrylate.