roots?

Nate · 11-10-2006, 04:09 PM

Hi, I have had a planted tank for a year, good lighting , c02 , substrate no algae issues...and have wondered why my plants root outward , they are heathy and do root into ground as well. Is this bacause I'm not planting properly?...thanks everyone

fishuz · 11-10-2006, 08:18 PM

I don't no much about plants but there is a good sticky on this subject you will want to talk to jay as far as i know he is well versed on plants for aquariums

gm333 · 11-10-2006, 08:52 PM

Welcome! Usually when the roots grow out of the substrate it means there is more nutrients in the water than the substrate. Try getting some fertilizer disks to put under the substrate for the plants roots. I do believe SeaChem makes these.

Jay · 11-11-2006, 09:19 AM

Hi Nate, and welcome to our forums

IMO it is because the plants are getting all the nutrients they need from the water column or nutrients that are at the bottom of the water column at the surface of the substrate.

Why spend energy growing deep roots when all the nutrients are close to the surface or in the water column for uptake. Grow just enough to keep from being blown around or uprooted.

So answering your question, IMO, no, you are doing nothing wrong.

Quote:

Try getting some fertilizer disks to put under the substrate for the plants roots. I do believe SeaChem makes these.

I am not a big fan of plant tabs, for many reasons, and IME do not use them.
We could discuss that in another thread if you want.

Regards,
Jay

Nate · 11-25-2006, 04:14 PM

thanks for the info guys, that makes sense that I have plenty of nutrients in the water thus the roots grow out of the stems and such, its just sometimes excessive. about these tablets will that make the plants grow roots more off the stems??...or less, and is it because of my stubsrate is too rich?..causing the root issue. maybe I will just put regular gravel instead...thanks for the response if any

Jay · 11-26-2006, 02:32 PM

Hay Nate,

Lots of stem plants grow roots from their growth nodes. It really indicates nothing, only that the plant is healthy and thriving.

I often trim those off when I garden and prune. Personal taste applies here.

Jay

Nate · 12-01-2006, 12:31 AM

thanks for the info, yes I will keep on pruning, Love the planted tank.