LadyViper

Are there any special instructions for trimming back aquarium plants? My mom has this one plant that is just growing like crazy and taking over everything. I don't know what it is exactly, but I think it is some sort of moss. Can I just start nipping at it, or will that kill it? Do I pull the plant out of the water to trim it, or can I do it in the aquarium during a partial water change?

Trish

I don't think that it's a good idea to take the plant out of the water. From what I have read about trimming back plants you're supposed to keep the plant in the water. So doing it during a partial water change sounds like a good idea.

LadyViper

Thanks Trish, I told my mom that. I am actually trying to talk her into a less invasive plant, or maybe rearranging. Maybe she will heed the advice.

lindsey

I think Trish has a very good point about just trimming the plant in the water. Along with a simple/partial water change. To help minimize polluted or cloudy water. It just makes sense.

Jay

Hi Lady!

Can you tell me what plants we are talking about?

FYI: for the most part, in the planted tank hobby, we are talking about aquatic weeds. They are not all that delicate , still there are methods

Jay

taiarain

I'd trim during a partial water change. I'd also rinse the scissors with a little tank water to reduce the introduction of new bacteria.

Taia

kelkat

Also be careful with the pieces that are trimmed. As aggresive as this plan sounds, it is possible that it will self root from every stray piece.

LadyViper

I have no idea what it is, it is in my mom's tank. I just know that it is growing all over, and she can't get a good clear view of the fish. I think the way she describes it, that it is some kind of moss. I don't know where she got it, knowing my mom she picked it up out of a lake. She just asked me to see what I could find on it, and maybe trim it up next time I stop by. I don't know what kind of light she has either, all I know is that it is a 50 gal tank. I haven't been to her house in almost a year, as she usually visits out here so she can come here and go to my brothers. Now that I am thinking, maybe it is just a background plant that she has planted in the front of the tank. My mom is a little dim at times, and it could very well be something she has done. It will be another month before I get up to her place, I will check it out and report back then.

Jay

Sounds like a fast growing invasive weed type. Just get the scissors and trim it back aggressively until you are happy with its size and shape. Use a fish net to scoop out dislodged leaves etc. Most aquatic plants respond well to aggressive pruning. I just took about 5 pounds of Bracopa out of my tank, it will grow back in a few days.

Jay

kelkat

Do me a favor, don't dispose of this near any natual water source. That's how a lot of lakes have ended up with so many weeds.