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is my flow too strong for plants?
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 6:34 am
by Kalevo
I've got a 20 gallon tank with a Fluval 207 canister filter, and my Amazon Swords keep getting uprooted. The flow seems strong, but my Betta doesn't mind it. Should I dial it back for the plants?
Re: is my flow too strong for plants?
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 8:13 am
by oceanmix
What's your substrate like? If it's just gravel, the roots might not have enough to hold onto. Try adding some root tabs or switching to a planted tank substrate.
Re: is my flow too strong for plants?
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 8:34 am
by readfast
Yo, my Fluval 307 was doing the same thing to my Valisneria. I stuck a sponge on the output to diffuse the flow, and now everything's chill. Maybe try that?
Re: is my flow too strong for plants?
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 8:52 am
by sealine
Strong flow can be tricky for some plants. Amazon Swords prefer slower currents, but they'll adapt if the roots are secure. How often are you doing water changes? Stability helps.
Re: is my flow too strong for plants?
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 9:20 am
by Kalevo
Thanks for the tips. I'll try the sponge trick and see if that helps. My substrate is just gravel, so maybe I'll look into root tabs too.
Re: is my flow too strong for plants?
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 10:45 am
by oceanmix
Kalevo wrote: ↑Mon Jun 16, 2025 9:20 am
Thanks for the tips. I'll try the sponge trick and see if that helps. My substrate is just gravel, so maybe I'll look into root tabs too.
Root tabs will definitely help. Also, consider tying the Swords to small rocks until they establish.
Re: is my flow too strong for plants?
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 11:06 am
by readfast
For real, my Valisneria took forever to settle until I weighted it down with lead strips. Now it's spreading like crazy. Just don't go too heavy with the flow reduction, or you'll get dead spots.
Re: is my flow too strong for plants?
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 11:38 am
by sealine
Dead spots are a legit concern. If you're using a sponge, make sure to clean it regularly. Algae loves clogged sponges, and that's a whole other headache.
Re: is my flow too strong for plants?
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 12:01 pm
by oceanmix
readfast wrote: ↑Mon Jun 16, 2025 11:06 am
For real, my Valisneria took forever to settle until I weighted it down with lead strips. Now it's spreading like crazy. Just don't go too heavy with the flow reduction, or you'll get dead spots.
Lead strips work, but be careful with them in soft water. They can leach metals over time.
Re: is my flow too strong for plants?
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 1:12 pm
by readfast
Good point. I've got hard water, so it's less of an issue. Maybe ceramic rings or plant weights would be safer for soft water setups.