do you use plant weights?

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bunnyhop
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:12 am

do you use plant weights?

Post by bunnyhop »

I've been trying to keep my Anubias in place but they keep floating up. Do you guys use plant weights or is there a better method? My tank is a 20 gallon with sand substrate, moderate lighting, and a few tetras.
seadrop
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:05 pm

Re: do you use plant weights?

Post by seadrop »

Plant weights can work, but they're not always the best solution. I've had success tying Anubias to small rocks or driftwood with fishing line. It's less intrusive and gives a more natural look. What's your water flow like? High flow can dislodge plants.
reelmein
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Joined: Mon Aug 12, 2024 10:10 am

Re: do you use plant weights?

Post by reelmein »

seadrop wrote: Thu Jul 10, 2025 2:57 am Plant weights can work, but they're not always the best solution. I've had success tying Anubias to small rocks or driftwood with fishing line. It's less intrusive and gives a more natural look. What's your water flow like? High flow can dislodge plants.
I agree with this. I use super glue gel to attach mine to rocks. It's quick, easy, and doesn't harm the plants. Just make sure the glue is cyanoacrylate-based.
blazefire
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:01 pm

Re: do you use plant weights?

Post by blazefire »

Yep, weights are kinda sketchy imo. They can crush roots if you're not careful. I'd go with the glue method or fishing line. My Anubias are glued to lava rock and they've been thriving for months. Tank's a 30 gallon with CO2, but they don't need it.
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bricklane
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:25 am

Re: do you use plant weights?

Post by bricklane »

I've used weights before, but they're a pain. My plants always end up looking wonky. Now I just wedge them between rocks or wood. Works like a charm. Also, sand substrate can be tricky, it doesn't hold plants well unless you've got roots established.
flowrate
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Dec 20, 2023 10:44 pm

Re: do you use plant weights?

Post by flowrate »

Plant weights are fine for temporary fixes, but long-term, you'll want a more stable solution. I've had the best results with tying plants to hardscape. It gives them time to root naturally. What's your lighting schedule? Too much light can cause algae, which might loosen the plants.
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dynamo7
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Joined: Sun Apr 16, 2023 5:54 pm

Re: do you use plant weights?

Post by dynamo7 »

Weights? Nah, they're old school. I just let my plants float until they decide to root themselves. It's a lazy method, but it works. My tank's a mess though, so maybe don't listen to me.
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trio
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Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2023 11:38 am

Re: do you use plant weights?

Post by trio »

I've had good luck with weights for smaller plants, but for Anubias, I'd go with the glue or tie method. They're slow growers, so you need something that'll hold them long enough to attach. My 10 gallon has a mix of both methods.
treelot
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:25 pm

Re: do you use plant weights?

Post by treelot »

Weights are unnecessary. Plants will anchor themselves given time. Patience is key.
dunesh
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jun 10, 2023 6:23 am

Re: do you use plant weights?

Post by dunesh »

I dunno, man. I just toss 'em in and hope for the best. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
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