Cutting Plants

[goldencomet]

can i take some scissors to this plant on the far right of this photo
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...p;#entry1491213

i think it's green columba

and also how hard is it to grow a grass plant over the substrate and do they need CO2 ect.

 

[DarkEntity]

Its cabomba and you can cut it with scissors, although i usually pull it out cut then re bunch

 

[Lateral Line]

Yes, most stem plants can be cut and both the original cut stem and the new cutting will grow on. Cut the stem with sharp tools, try to avoid crushing the stem as this will encourage rotting. I always allow fresh cuttings to float for a week before trying to plant them. It allows the stem to heal, or if it is showing signs of rot, allows me to take necessary action, i.e. trim the bad material off and try again.

There are some grassy plants that will form a carpet under reasonable light without CO2, Pygmy Chain Sword, and Dwarf Sagitaria for example. For best results though, good light is needed otherwise the plants "bolt" to the surface.

I'll move this thread to the planted forum, you will get more replies there.

 

[goldencomet]

thanks, for the replies

would dwarf hairgrass grow? i put in tetra plantamin in if that helps

also how would i clean the substrate were the carpet is would my trumpet snails sought it?
and how deep does the substrate were the carpet is have to be?and can you cut it to keep it small?

 

[Dave Spencer]

also how would i clean the substrate were the carpet is would my trumpet snails sought it?

There is no need to clean the substrate where the carpet is. Any waste products should break down in to a mulm, which can be used by the plants.

and how deep does the substrate were the carpet is have to be?and can you cut it to keep it small?

Generally speaking, a substrate is at its shallowest at the front where the hairgrass will be, so it should be OK in two inches.

Hairgrass will throw runners out throughout the tank if it is kept successfully, so you will need to keep on top of it.