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Is this solution going to work?
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:54 am
by bigtop
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?
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 8:57 am
by velvet8
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?
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 10:04 am
by greensea_1
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?
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 10:27 am
by bigtop
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.
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.
Re: Is this solution going to work?
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 10:55 am
by velvet8
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.
Most bamboo varieties don't do well submerged, they tend to break down fast.
Re: Is this solution going to work?
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 11:55 am
by bigtop
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.
They're actually just pressed bamboo shafts, not the real deal.
Re: Is this solution going to work?
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 12:25 pm
by anglerman
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.
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.
Re: Is this solution going to work?
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 1:16 pm
by anglerman
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.
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.
Re: Is this solution going to work?
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 1:34 pm
by anglerman
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.
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.
Re: Is this solution going to work?
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 2:34 pm
by bigtop
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.
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.