Plants Question...

[aokashi]

Originally Posted by CharStarr

Thats a good point Aus, thanks. I think you're right and I'll get a heater as well.

When you say tethered, how do I go about that? Like just putting some under the stone to keep it firmly planted?

I think I'll give that sticky a look through as well, thanks.

simply use a cotton string or nylon thread to tie the plants onto the rock to weigh the plants down:) they will attach themselves over time.

[Aus]

I tie mine on with a bit of thin cotton. The cotton eventually disintegrates, but by then the plants have got a firm hold on the wood. Anubias and java fern both hate being planted in the substrate, and their roots will rot if buried.

Stem plants like elodea and wisteria can just have the stem-ends in gravel. Wisteria can also be floated, it makes a great betta-hammock and puts out lots of roots. When mine get too 'hairy' from that, I plant them. Wisteria apparently doesn't much like alkaline conditions, though, which is maybe why some people have trouble keeping it alive. It's often mistaken for water sprite, which has a habit of melting when mature.. so make sure to do your research before you go shopping!

Planted tanks are kind of exciting and plants can be every bit as addictive as fish. I love mine to bits. Got a 40 gallon starting up this week.. and tons of plants to put in it!

[CharStarr]

Aus - What do you mean by alkaline conditions?

Thanks everyone =)

[aokashi]

I'll stop stealing Aus's questions :D sleep time for me! I hope to see pics of your tank soon Char!

@Aus - we're actually having a family trip down to Melbourne tomorrow! hope it wont be too cold!

[Aus]

You're in luck, Aokashi! We're having an unseasonal lack of nasty freezing wind and rain (though how long that lasts is another matter!).

Char, when you test your ph, if it's above 7, that's alkaline. 7 is neutral, lower than 7 is acid. A high alkalinity (say.. 8.. that's pretty high) is tolerable for bettas if it's stable, but some plants won't like it.

[Sena Hansler]

Originally Posted by CharStarr

Aus - What do you mean by alkaline conditions?

Thanks everyone =)

No problem And we do care - without being mean to the people who we should be caring about That's how I came to stay here lol

[CharStarr]

Thanks everyone for all the help! You've given me a lot to think about, I know I want some live plants now for my tank and definitely a heater. I'm still thinking about which live plants, I'm pretty new at all this so I want some that are pretty easy for beginners. I'll have to check out that sticky again.