I'm considering using slim posts, either plastic or bamboo, to create a miniature forest in my 55-gallon tank. I'd anchor a bunch of anubias and Java fern to them, hoping to achieve a leafy tree effect.
I've had a tough time with stem plants - over 120 stems in the past year, with only about 10 still surviving. The issue is they require a lot of fertilizers to thrive, which gets expensive. On the other hand, anubias and most ferns have been a breeze to care for. This approach might be the solution I need. I'd place a small rock or weight on the post, glue a bunch of plants to it, and then stick to my usual twice-a-week fertilization schedule.
Is this solution going to work?
Re: Is this solution going to work?
I'd rather see natural elements like spider or mopani roots, or even lava rock, used as anchors instead of plastic - they'll add a lot more style to your tank. Anubias are one of my favorites, they're super versatile with all the different leaf shapes, colors, and sizes they come in.
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greensea_1 - Posts: 13
- Joined: Wed Jul 17, 2024 7:04 pm
Re: Is this solution going to work?
That sounds like a pretty cool idea, would be awesome to see how it turns out if you give it a shot.
Re: Is this solution going to work?
Honestly, it's just about the cost right now. I can get 20 anubias for $70 in bulk, I've already got the bamboo on hand, and the plastic is super cheap. I did think about using driftwood or stone, but the prices are a bit steep - $3 per pound for the stone and $15 for a small piece of driftwood.velvet8 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2025 8:57 am I'd rather see natural elements like spider or mopani roots, or even lava rock, used as anchors instead of plastic - they'll add a lot more style to your tank. Anubias are one of my favorites, they're super versatile with all the different leaf shapes, colors, and sizes they come in.
Re: Is this solution going to work?
Most bamboo varieties don't do well submerged, they tend to break down fast.bigtop wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:54 am I'm considering using slim posts, either plastic or bamboo, to create a miniature forest in my 55-gallon tank. I'd anchor a bunch of anubias and Java fern to them, hoping to achieve a leafy tree effect.
I've had a tough time with stem plants - over 120 stems in the past year, with only about 10 still surviving. The issue is they require a lot of fertilizers to thrive, which gets expensive. On the other hand, anubias and most ferns have been a breeze to care for. This approach might be the solution I need. I'd place a small rock or weight on the post, glue a bunch of plants to it, and then stick to my usual twice-a-week fertilization schedule.
Re: Is this solution going to work?
They're actually just pressed bamboo shafts, not the real deal.velvet8 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2025 8:57 am I'd rather see natural elements like spider or mopani roots, or even lava rock, used as anchors instead of plastic - they'll add a lot more style to your tank. Anubias are one of my favorites, they're super versatile with all the different leaf shapes, colors, and sizes they come in.
Re: Is this solution going to work?
I'm actually getting my Anubias in bulk from a different supplier, which is why I can get 20 pieces for $70. I've had your experience with the big Butterfly variety, though - they can get pricey, especially when you're paying $11 each like you did at YourFishStuff. I've also tried tying live plants to weighted bases, but I'm looking for a more natural look, which is why I'm considering using slim posts to create those leafy trees.bigtop wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:54 am I'm considering using slim posts, either plastic or bamboo, to create a miniature forest in my 55-gallon tank. I'd anchor a bunch of anubias and Java fern to them, hoping to achieve a leafy tree effect.
I've had a tough time with stem plants - over 120 stems in the past year, with only about 10 still surviving. The issue is they require a lot of fertilizers to thrive, which gets expensive. On the other hand, anubias and most ferns have been a breeze to care for. This approach might be the solution I need. I'd place a small rock or weight on the post, glue a bunch of plants to it, and then stick to my usual twice-a-week fertilization schedule.
Re: Is this solution going to work?
I've had it with eBay stem cuttings, I'm done. Now I'd rather pay a bit more for plants with established roots, it's just easier that way.bigtop wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:54 am I'm considering using slim posts, either plastic or bamboo, to create a miniature forest in my 55-gallon tank. I'd anchor a bunch of anubias and Java fern to them, hoping to achieve a leafy tree effect.
I've had a tough time with stem plants - over 120 stems in the past year, with only about 10 still surviving. The issue is they require a lot of fertilizers to thrive, which gets expensive. On the other hand, anubias and most ferns have been a breeze to care for. This approach might be the solution I need. I'd place a small rock or weight on the post, glue a bunch of plants to it, and then stick to my usual twice-a-week fertilization schedule.
Re: Is this solution going to work?
That's my go-to choice too. I've got a mix of colors, actually, and they really add some visual interest to my tank. The green ones are great, but having a few different hues really makes them pop.velvet8 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2025 8:57 am I'd rather see natural elements like spider or mopani roots, or even lava rock, used as anchors instead of plastic - they'll add a lot more style to your tank. Anubias are one of my favorites, they're super versatile with all the different leaf shapes, colors, and sizes they come in.
Re: Is this solution going to work?
I got my Anubias from Aquarium Plants Factory - they have a deal where you can buy 2 and get 1 free, which is how I was able to get 20 pieces for $70. The link isn't working for me so I'll just paste the url: www.aquariumplantsfactory.com.velvet8 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2025 8:57 am I'd rather see natural elements like spider or mopani roots, or even lava rock, used as anchors instead of plastic - they'll add a lot more style to your tank. Anubias are one of my favorites, they're super versatile with all the different leaf shapes, colors, and sizes they come in.