Planting Swords without substrate fert

FishyFishy89 · 02-10-2013, 11:33 PM

I have a ruffled amazon sword in my 75 gallon. In this tank I currently have 6 angelfish, 1 very old striped kuhli, and 2 amano shrimps. To be added is Bristlenose pleco, a school of cory cats and maybe an upside down catfish. I do plan to fully plant this tank.

Right now the only substrate planted plants are 1 bushel of swords and 1 large bushel of cabomba and 2 smaller bushels of cabomba. So my question; how well can swords survive without a substrate like: http://www.petco.com/product/111994/...avelSubstrates ? Because it is my understanding that swords are root feeders. I noticed yesterday that there is a new leaf coming through.

I have liquid fert and use that maybe once a week. Another question is, how well can I establish a fully planted tank without any substrates like the one linked and without root tabs. Shoving root tabs into my sand bed just feels so wrong to me and completely turns me off :P

Last questions, if the root feeders need something extra for their roots than what the fish waste is giving; is it possible to add small amounts of organic potting soil or mix to a tank already full of water, decor and fish? And if the tank isn't fully planted is it possible to use small amounts of OPS or OPM without crashing your water params?

Thanks so much!!!

kochman · 02-11-2013, 12:20 AM

Hi, this is just my opinion. I have had BN pleco strip my plants leaves pretty thin even with wafers and cucumber. I have several different tank setups but in my tank with no substrate ferts or dirt the sword is not growing well. It is exsisting but that is about it. As for trying to add dirt to established tank. The hastle involved isn't worth it when u can just get root tabs. Once again just my opinion

FishyFishy89 · 02-11-2013, 12:24 AM

hm....I've got quite a few friends on another aquarium forum that I frequent whom have BNs in their planted aquariums and never had such a problem.

I much appreciate your opinion and experience, I will keep them in mind.

Thanks!

steven p · 02-11-2013, 12:30 AM

Wrap some dirt up in wax paper and shove the pouch of dirt down to the bottom of the substrate. Dirtcicles work as well but are messy.

FishyFishy89 · 02-11-2013, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steven p

Wrap some dirt up in wax paper and shove the pouch of dirt down to the bottom of the substrate. Dirtcicles work as well but are messy.

OH!!! Great Idea!!!
I would of never thought of that! You've got a great mind there

steven p · 02-11-2013, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishyFishy89

OH!!! Great Idea!!!
I would of never thought of that! You've got a great mind there

Not a product of this thought process, but another forum members.

Just trying to help

wicca27 · 02-11-2013, 12:35 AM

the plants must have been dieing because all my tanks are planted and they never touch them. its not common for bn to eat the plants they will eat algae but shouldnt strip plants

FishyFishy89 · 02-11-2013, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steven p

Not a product of this thought process, but another forum members.

Just trying to help

Really appreciate it.
Thanks!

steven p · 02-11-2013, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishyFishy89

Really appreciate it.
Thanks!

For sure, just a quick note. It was way easier for me to get the dry soil down after I started poking a few tiny holes in the paper with a thumb tack. It burps the air and becomes less buoyant.

dmagerl · 02-11-2013, 01:14 AM

My Bristlenoses do a job on the swords too, no matter how many vegie's I feed them.

02-10-2013, 11:33 PM	#1
FishyFishy89 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Central FL Posts: 21	Planting Swords without substrate fert I have a ruffled amazon sword in my 75 gallon. In this tank I currently have 6 angelfish, 1 very old striped kuhli, and 2 amano shrimps. To be added is Bristlenose pleco, a school of cory cats and maybe an upside down catfish. I do plan to fully plant this tank. Right now the only substrate planted plants are 1 bushel of swords and 1 large bushel of cabomba and 2 smaller bushels of cabomba. So my question; how well can swords survive without a substrate like: http://www.petco.com/product/111994/...avelSubstrates ? Because it is my understanding that swords are root feeders. I noticed yesterday that there is a new leaf coming through. I have liquid fert and use that maybe once a week. Another question is, how well can I establish a fully planted tank without any substrates like the one linked and without root tabs. Shoving root tabs into my sand bed just feels so wrong to me and completely turns me off :P Last questions, if the root feeders need something extra for their roots than what the fish waste is giving; is it possible to add small amounts of organic potting soil or mix to a tank already full of water, decor and fish? And if the tank isn't fully planted is it possible to use small amounts of OPS or OPM without crashing your water params? Thanks so much!!!

02-11-2013, 12:24 AM	#3
FishyFishy89 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Central FL Posts: 21	hm....I've got quite a few friends on another aquarium forum that I frequent whom have BNs in their planted aquariums and never had such a problem. I much appreciate your opinion and experience, I will keep them in mind. Thanks! __________________ Looking to get rid of those trimmings? PM me!

02-11-2013, 12:30 AM	#4
steven p Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: columbus, ne Posts: 1,059	Wrap some dirt up in wax paper and shove the pouch of dirt down to the bottom of the substrate. Dirtcicles work as well but are messy. __________________ this is a hot link

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

02-11-2013, 12:20 AM	#2
kochman Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: canada Posts: 47	Hi, this is just my opinion. I have had BN pleco strip my plants leaves pretty thin even with wafers and cucumber. I have several different tank setups but in my tank with no substrate ferts or dirt the sword is not growing well. It is exsisting but that is about it. As for trying to add dirt to established tank. The hastle involved isn't worth it when u can just get root tabs. Once again just my opinion

02-11-2013, 12:35 AM	#7
wicca27 Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fort Knox Posts: 2,693	the plants must have been dieing because all my tanks are planted and they never touch them. its not common for bn to eat the plants they will eat algae but shouldnt strip plants

02-11-2013, 01:14 AM	#10
dmagerl Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 189	My Bristlenoses do a job on the swords too, no matter how many vegie's I feed them.