New to plants

[dp]

Hey guys, 

So I know there are a lot of plant enthusiasts on the boards and I could use some advice/help.   I have never had luck with plants in my aquariums but then again I haven't really put in my best effort toward them either.   I am very inexperienced with planted tanks but have always loved the way they looked and I feel committed to trying to make them work this time.  I also really like the benefits to water quality having live plants can give.  


Now, having an African Cichlid tank, I realize I may be setting myself up for failure again but I really am looking to have my cake and eat it too I suppose.   Doing some research it seems many people have had luck with Amazon Swords, Anubias and Vallisneria and keeping them with Africans.    Just recently purchased 3 large Amazon Swords from Ruffins and of course it looks great to start with, I just want them to last. 

They are planted in an aragonite and sand substrate (again... more challenge?).   I'm just wondering about the initial process... I can see some leaves yellowing a slight bit etc... how long before I know a plant will "take" to the environment?   I have tried to "help" the process by doing a light daily dose of flourish excel... should I also get plant fertilizer?   Is the yellowing normal for a newly planted/moved large plant?

Thanks

[Admin]

The problem with sand is that sometimes it compacts and rots the roots of the plants, this is especially troublesome with plants such as Anubias which are slow growers and heavy root feeders. That is not to say that you cannot grow them in sand, I have seen it done many times with great results, just make sure you do not bury them too deep.

As far as what you are doing, dosing excel is a great step. A plant fertilizer might help but honestly it isn't necessary unless you find nothing is working over time. Usually plants take within 2-5 weeks depending on conditions to really settle in, you just have to monitor them. I have personally found sometimes a plant will not grow or take for weeks and then out of nowhere it explodes in growth and spreads.

The initial yellowing is not something to worry about at fist, that is just the plant adjusting to new conditions. Plants often "melt" or shed when put in new scenarios. However, if after a few weeks the yellow worsens or continues it might be time to take action and see what else can be done to aid the plant's growth (such as adding ferts).

[dp]

Alright so after a week the plants are still looking good but the challenge has been keeping them anchored down in the sand. I have a couple anubias plants and a java fern that I attached to some rocks using a rubber band (I'm not sure if this is acceptable, worried about it being too tight). I tried using thread but I apparently suck at tying and they kept coming loose. I heard you can use krazy glue to glue the rhizome to the rock? Anyway these are staying down now... My main concern is with the Amazon Swords and the Corkscrew Vals. In order to keep them down I pushed them into the sand and placed rock work around on the root area, etc for the amazons. This has kept them down but I'm concerned about the crown being under the sand. Is it okay to place rocks on the roots? Does anyone have any tips?

For the vals I used a small plastic tupperware type lid and cut an X in the center.. I pushed the roots through there and then buried the lid in the sand to anchor it down better but again... concerned about the crown being buried and restricting growth.

[Admin]

Your concerns are valid about burring the crown too deep. Getting plants to finally take and root themselves securely is very frustrating, it happens to me almost every time I get a new plant or do re-planting. My best advice is to either just stick it out and be patience, checking when you can and re-planting what comes loose; this is usually what I do and it can take a little bit but they will eventually take.

I have never used the krazy glue method but I can see it working as I know with saltwater that is used a lot when attaching new coral- just make sure you use a gel type of glue (one that is not runny/ watery). The rubber band method is not problematic and I have seen that used with great success. The only other option I would say to look into is plant anchors, you can buy them at petsmart or I am sure any local store. They're just flexible metal strips you bend around the plant to add weight and keep them from coming out of the substrate-I have used these many times and they work fairly well.