Thinking about planting.

[AlexXx]

I think the most fun, and cheapest way, to add plants is to get some Bulbs. They are like 3-4 bux for nearly 20 bulbs some times. All you do is shuv them in your gravel and wait! Once they sprout they will sky rocket! Yes it take time, and you must be patient. I think its well worth it though. Some plants could be 10 bux + and if they die... your out 10 bux! Coulda bought a new betta with a vase! haha. Also most bulb companies give a 30 day garentee, if they don't sprout send them back and they will give you new ones! Once i planted one tank, i dont think ill ever go back and buy another stupid fake one again! What a waste of money....

Good luck!

[Jynx]

yeah I have the betta bulbs and they look great and are way easy to look after- I just make sure they get some indirect light and take off the stalks if they turn brown. I'm getting plant food friday though- their bulbs are getting teeny.

[Elaina]

I have an amazon sword that I don't think I could kill even if I tried! I'm trying the betta bulb route but everytime they get all moldy/fungassy and I have to toss them, it's driving me nuts!!!

[chrisb1221]

I got an Amazon Sword yesterday and it came in a black basket type thing. I have no idea if I should remove it from that and plant the roots in the substrate or not, so for now it's just sitting in my tank. Hector does seem to like to swim around it though. He now allows the shrimp on the fake plant, but not the live one lmao.

[vaygirl]

I left mine in the basket (Anubias and four leaf clover) and they're doing just fine. I'm new at this too. Lol!

[dr2b]

It is really up to you. I found it looks better to cut the plastic tub off (well that depends on how big of a root system you have going on). I always have to cut mine like it's a delicate operation because my root systems always tend to be about 2-2.5 inches long and about an 1 inch across tangled up in the black tub. I also want to let you know that Amazon Swords are heavy root feeders. I have to keep root tabs in for it. I can always tell when it is time for a new one.

[chrisb1221]

What should i get for the plant?

[dr2b]

I use Flourish Root Tabs, but there are other brands out there (such as API). I use Flourish excel and Kent Pro plant also. My Amazon sword and Kliener Bar sword are thriving :)

[chrisb1221]

How big can it get? It wont take over the 5gal will it? Hector really seems to enjoy it.

[dr2b]

Some Amazon Swords can grow to be fairly large. I found if you trim the older leaves it keeps it in check. Mine is in a 5 gallon tank, and it's definitely not taking over by doing this method. I really like my sword plant :)