Anyone use Plant Weights for stems?

[motifone]

Are plant weights bad?

You know, those little strips of lead you can wrap around the base of a stem plant. I know the routine for stems is to remove the leaves from the first node and bury the end of the stem so that the roots can grow off the node. But I can't quite fit my hand in the nooks and crannies where I want to place the stems. So, I read you could use the plant weights -- wrap the weight around the base of the stem (not too far up) and just sit the stem on the gravel surface and it will eventually take root. I do see roots appearing, but the base of the stem was getting a little musy. Then again, maybe that happens regardless of whether the stem is buried or not.

just wondering

[Jdinh04]

Read here:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=13698

[Georgiadawgger]

I use them for my "junk" plants like Anacharis and hornwort only. Those two grow about a foot a week at times so its just easier to pull out and trim and toss back in. I also believe the really flexible kind are a zinc alloy while the stiffer more "solid" pieces are lead.

[shalu]

Originally Posted by Georgiadawgger

I also believe the really flexible kind are a zinc alloy while the stiffer more "solid" pieces are lead.

I agree. On the package of my stiffer ones, it even says "made of lead". And it is REALLY heavy, I like it.

[lowcoaster]

I use lead weights on all my bunch plants in my holding tanks with no problems.

[150EH]

Just grab the end of the plant with tweezers, push it into the substrate, then you won't need the wieghts. I use the Eheim tongs so I don't have to get too wet and they come with a cutting head for pruning too.