Plants For Freshwater Tanks

[Mayu]

I'm new to using plants in my fresh water tanks... normally I don't, but I've had algae issues in one tank specifically and someone recommended I add some real plants and remove silk ones.

I bought some hardy plants from a local pet store... they come in a black achor where the roots stick out. He told me it doesn't need special light, just plop it into the gravel and go.

Do I need special gravel for plants? and do I take the anchor off? This he didn't mention.

also, my betta is eating one of the plants like it's a chocolate chip chocolate fudge chocolate sundae... So there may not be much plant left soon. lol... is that safe for him? I was told it would be fine... but I want to make sure.

 

[flyhawk]

it is fine for the betta-actually a treat for it!!!

it would be good to add a liquid fertilizer to start of with, providing your store has this

the gravel depends on what plants you got

do you know what type it is?

 

[waterdrop]

Agree, some liquid fert would be good in an overly clean new tank. I'd take the anchor off and take scissors and snip a tiny bit of the root tips off to stimulate root growth. Bring the plant underwater in your hand, dig a hole in your substrate with the same hand, gently spread the roots out and completely cover them and the crown, then slowly lift the crown (point where leaves and roots meet, assuming its not a stem plant but a root plant) so that its just barely completely out from under the substrate, leaving just the roots anchoring the plant.

Take a read of the good articles at the top of this subforum and some of the planted tank experts are bound to be along in a bit with better advice!

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Truck]

No special gravel is ever required, but if you're in a high light situation it will mean you can be less lenient with dosing. Can you post a picture of the plant, and when you say anchor, is it an inanimate object (Ie' not living or connected to the plant?) is it just a piece of plastic? if so remove it.
As long as you're in a low light situation you shouldn't need to add any ferts/CO2 etc.