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How Do You Prevent Plant Floaters?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 2:07 pm
by tidebrook
I've been struggling with my Amazon Swords floating up after planting. I use a fine gravel substrate, keep the tank at 78F, and have a Fluval 3.0 light on for 8 hours. Any tips to keep them anchored better?
Re: How Do You Prevent Plant Floaters?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 2:40 pm
by dawnia
Yo, same issue here! My swords keep popping up like they're tryna escape. I've got sand substrate, 75F, and a cheap LED light. Maybe it's the substrate? What kinda gravel you using?
Re: How Do You Prevent Plant Floaters?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 4:08 pm
by Eclips
I've found that planting them deeper helps. Make sure the roots are fully buried and maybe add a small rock or weight near the base. My tank's at 76F with a soil substrate, and they stay put.
Re: How Do You Prevent Plant Floaters?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 5:36 pm
by Liber
The issue might be the lack of root development. Amazon Swords need a nutrient-rich substrate to establish strong roots. I use Eco-Complete with root tabs, and my plants stay anchored. Also, ensure your lighting isn't too intense, as it can cause them to grow too fast and destabilize.
Re: How Do You Prevent Plant Floaters?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 6:45 pm
by dawnride
Liber wrote: ↑Sun Jul 20, 2025 5:36 pm
The issue might be the lack of root development. Amazon Swords need a nutrient-rich substrate to establish strong roots. I use Eco-Complete with root tabs, and my plants stay anchored. Also, ensure your lighting isn't too intense, as it can cause them to grow too fast and destabilize.
That makes sense. I'll try adding root tabs to my sand. Thanks!
Re: How Do You Prevent Plant Floaters?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 7:57 pm
by tidebrook
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try planting deeper and maybe switch to a richer substrate. My gravel is pretty basic, so that might be the issue.
Re: How Do You Prevent Plant Floaters?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 8:56 pm
by Eclips
Another thing to consider is water flow. If your filter output is too strong, it can dislodge plants. I adjusted mine to a gentler flow, and it helped a lot.
Re: How Do You Prevent Plant Floaters?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 9:14 pm
by dawnia
Good point about the flow! My HOB filter is kinda aggressive. Gonna try baffling it with a sponge or something. Thanks, y'all!
Re: How Do You Prevent Plant Floaters?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 10:48 pm
by Liber
dawnia wrote: ↑Sun Jul 20, 2025 9:14 pm
Good point about the flow! My HOB filter is kinda aggressive. Gonna try baffling it with a sponge or something. Thanks, y'all!
A sponge is a great idea. I've also seen people use plastic mesh to diffuse the flow without reducing filtration.
Re: How Do You Prevent Plant Floaters?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 12:45 am
by dawnride
I've heard some folks use plant weights or lead strips to keep plants down. Has anyone tried that? I'm a bit worried about metals leaching into the water.