Never had plants

[BobK]

I've never had live plants in my tanks. I have pothos houseplants that like to be rooted in water and actually thrive in water. I was wondering if anybody ever put them into an aquarium and, if so, what is the best way to go about doing so and maintaining them? Also, do people use weights to keep plants in the substrate until they develop a good root system? Would fishing weights (lead) work or would that be harmful to the plants and/or fish? Thanks!!!

 

[yvez9]

I wouldn't put lead in my aquarium... kind of toxic.

I'm new to plants too (and aquariums) but I just followed the lfs' guy advice and just dug a hole in the gravel and put them in.

 

[Slyspy]

I wouldn't put any plants in the aquarium which are not specifically aquarium plants. Even those plants that like water are not usually supposed to be submerged and thus will die off. Even some aquarium plants are not strictly submergable, but the point is that they will survive and will not pollute your tank with rotting vegetation.

Edit:
That seemed a bit negative. Just do your research and select carefully and you will be able to enjoy your new plants. They look great!

 

[BobK]

Thanks Slyspy.

 

[guppygirl]

You can buy non-toxic lead weights at your aquarium store. Or if you can't find any, just ask them for some old ones that they use for the plants they sell.