Do plant roots need to be above the substrate?

[Echoflux]

Lighting might be the culprit behind your carpet plant struggles. I'd suggest giving cryptocoryne parva a shot.

[boomer]

I picked up a couple of new plants from PetSmart - a Narrow Leaf Java Fern and an Anubis Congensis - they came in those "pest free" containers, which seem to be the cleanest option around here.

I'm currently reading up on them and it appears both need to be attached to rocks or wood. I knew this was the case for regular Anubis, but I wasn't sure if it applied to all varieties - the package for the Congensis said "small", but now I'm not so sure.

I had no idea Java Ferns needed to be planted this way too. Can anyone tell me if it's okay to leave them in the substrate or will I need to tie them to something? They're currently just pushed in.

I'd recommend looking into pygmy chain sword (Helanthium tenellum) and Cryptocoryne parva for your carpeting needs. Both of these plants should do well in your tank's lighting conditions.

As you know, Anubias and Java Fern are low-light plants. If the light is too intense, you'll likely end up with algae issues and struggling plants. One way to combat this is by growing them under floating plants, which can help filter the light.

Most carpet plants require much more intense lighting, which can be a challenge in your tank. Not only do they need brighter light to begin with, but the light also has to be intense enough to penetrate the water and reach the substrate. Pygmy chain sword and crypts, on the other hand, are low-light plants that tend to do well in these conditions.

Increasing the light intensity isn't always the solution, as it can lead to more nutrients and CO2 being needed. This can quickly become a high-tech setup, which may not be what you're looking for.

Sticking with plants that thrive in your current lighting conditions will likely be your best bet.

[challenger]

I've got a soft spot for parva. If you're gonna try it, I'd recommend starting with a bunch - it's one of the slowest-growing plants I've had the pleasure of dealing with.

[marston]

Your tank is looking pretty sweet. What's the substrate you're using? Is it regular black gravel? I'm setting up a new tank for shrimp and small fish, maybe neptunes, and I'm still deciding on the gravel.

Do you still have those little orange sunkist shrimp? I'm trying to figure out what kind of shrimp I want to get.

[marston]

I had no idea those orange shrimp could grow that large - I always thought they were similar in size to cherry shrimp. Your little guy is really cool, and I have to say, I'm a bit jealous of the oto on the zucchini - mine still haven't taken to it yet.

[viewfinder]

I found a nifty trick for securing Anubias - black zip ties work a treat, much easier than fiddling with fishing line.

I'm still surprised by how much my sunset shrimp has grown - I thought he'd stay tiny forever. He's just the best. And seriously, your otos aren't eating the zucchini yet? Maybe try a different veggie, mine are absolutely crazy about broccoli stalks.

[marston]

I'm still not sure if my otos are actually eating the zucchini. I put a slice in late one night, and the next day what was left was floating around with all the fish following it. I've come to realize that zucchini is a hit with everyone in the tank, not just the otos.

[Lynxie]

I remember hiding courgette slices when I kept otos, they were experts at finding them before the other tankmates did.

[viewfinder]

I found a nifty trick for securing Anubias - black zip ties work a treat, much easier than fiddling with fishing line.

Hopefully they're catching on and finding the treats before they go on a wild ride around the tank.

[rockyfox]

I picked up a couple of new plants from PetSmart - a Narrow Leaf Java Fern and an Anubis Congensis - they came in those "pest free" containers, which seem to be the cleanest option around here.

I'm currently reading up on them and it appears both need to be attached to rocks or wood. I knew this was the case for regular Anubis, but I wasn't sure if it applied to all varieties - the package for the Congensis said "small", but now I'm not so sure.

I had no idea Java Ferns needed to be planted this way too. Can anyone tell me if it's okay to leave them in the substrate or will I need to tie them to something? They're currently just pushed in.

Tying to driftwood or bogwood is the way to go, in my opinion - the roots take hold nicely and it's a lot easier to handle if you need to change the substrate later on.