My new 5foot planted tank project

Hi Everyone,

With @Cesar' upgrade... I scored his 5foot tank with which I want to give a try at a planted tank....

Have no experience with planted tanks so.... very low tech to start with.
So far I have put in PFS and filters are maturing...

I would like to know please... When you tie the Anubias to driftwood, do you trim/cut off the existing roots to encourage new root growth on to the wood, or do you leave the existing roots on?

 

I use elastic bands to strap germs and anubias down. I've never trimmed the roots before.

 

What trims are recommended when transferring plants to encourage growth? Should one trim the roots on root feeder plants?

 

@Broder, thanks... was battling with fishing line... didn't think of elastic bands.
@RoGe, I don't know. It was mentioned on one of the aquascaping websites I browsed though yesterday but, I could not find any mention of this on any of our threads so I was wondering if anyone does this

 

I would only trim roots if they have become rampant and unsightly. The more you trim, the slower initial growth will be. I would trim any roots that have broken though. If you've cut back on the plant, then you can cut back proportionately on the roots too.

 

Even easier and less conspicuous than elastic bands - black cable ties, leave them slightly loose so the rhizomes can grow.

 

@Broder, will post a picture. Roots are not broken just long and quite thick

 

Agree, thanks.... that sounds best to me

 

I don't trim the roots. Either just attach the plant to. The wood

 

@tanked72, thanks.. I will follow everyone's advice

I have managed to get Anubias, Java fern and some moss, a fern which I can not identify and LFS staff couldnt help (will post pics later maybe someone can help me)
I also got 2 Amazon swords.

I am using PFS as mentioned before.
I am using 60% water taken from mature tanks.
Canister is matured but sump will be new (its not connected yet)
There are no fish in yet as Im still busy with the aquscaping..

Please could I ask few questions..

How soon after planting do I start adding fertilizer?
If I use root tabs on the Amazons, do I still add liquid fertilizer for the Anubias at same time?

 

What type of. Substrate are you using @MariaS

 

I have only used PFS. Keeping it simple as its my first attempt..

If necessary for the Amazon, I could maybe put it in a pot? and conceal with rocks so you dont see it...

 

Amazons get pretty big so do their root system so its going to have to be a sizeable pot but it can work just use some potting soil and cap it with gravel and you should be ok

 

Thanks... will go look for decent clay pot.
I read they get big but..... I could not resist it.... want to try create a nice focal point with it and when it gets too big.... oh well... will have to upgrade I guess, haha maybe by then I am confident enough to go fancy substrate!!

 

I don't go for the fancy stuff I use organic potting soil from my local nursery at 30rand a 5kg bag and my plants grow like wild fire @MariaS

 

I was too nervous to try the potting soil (there were a few comments that one shouldn't try it on your one and only tank, in case things go pearshaped). So I've just got started with amazon swords in pfs with diy root tabs - not sure how they'll do though. But the diy potting soil mix for substrate really does seem to work very well, once I've got some spare tanks and room for experimentation I'll try it out... @MariaS I'm not sure if it's still an option for you to change your substrate, or if you just want to make the pfs that you've got in there now work out?

 

Ok, that sounds easy enough, will bring a bag when I go to nursery and get the pot for the Amazon.

 

As @tanked72 mentioned, I've also found that soil works great. @RoGe is right though, you are likely to have a huge ammonia spike to start with and there will probably be some hydrogen sulphide production. I would only add sensitive fish after this has all settled and plants have started growing well.

Just a pot will be fine though.

 

I will get you the make of the potting soil I use they have a wide range but its the indoor potting soil I use @MariaS just remember u must cap it off with sand or fine gravel if you have access to youtube then look up dustins fishtanks he is who got me onto potting soil and is one off the people that got it going in the begining

 

@dash also has a great thread on TASA..