SOLEMNDRAGON Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 Hi Was wondering what people use to attach plants like Anubias and Java Fern to wood and rocks and ceramic ornaments. Basically plants that dont like their roots in the substrate. Is there an adhesive or something like that. The reason i ask is my Java fern is throwing pups like crazy and i would like to use them in other tanks, but the only way i know of securing Java fern is by tying it to the object with fishing line. but the pups are way too small for that. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barca888 Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 I've seen string used to physically anchor it to the wood and lucky bands. Whenever I've attached java fern/moss, I just wedge in to a nook or cranny. The idea is to let the plant grip on to the wood by natural means once you artificially tied it in to place. Removing the string or lucky band once this has taken place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishdance Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 You can use a hot glue gun safely with plants and fish. The little gun-like applicators which melt inserted glue sticks. Go to a crafts shop if your not sure although K-Mart probably has them too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D6C1 Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 Fishing string. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TropheusQueen Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 fishing line and strips of the green net bags that fruit and veg sometimes comes in - very well camouflaged in the tank . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevguy Posted August 17, 2007 Share Posted August 17, 2007 Cable Ties. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missy Posted August 17, 2007 Share Posted August 17, 2007 Cotton thread. I use it to anchor my java moss/ferns to rocks etc. and it rots away after a while so you don't have to bother taking it out once the plants have taken a grip to the rocks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOLEMNDRAGON Posted August 17, 2007 Author Share Posted August 17, 2007 Thanks for your input guys i think i will try and tie the little buggers on with cotton. cheers drags.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colfish Posted August 17, 2007 Share Posted August 17, 2007 i find 'em too small and fidley, just let 'em float 'till they're big enough to handle, they grow better close to the light as well. then stick 'em to driftood with a drawing pin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishdance Posted August 17, 2007 Share Posted August 17, 2007 Once you have used a hot glue gun you will never use anything else. Most aquatic plant nurseries use it too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOLEMNDRAGON Posted August 17, 2007 Author Share Posted August 17, 2007 Once you have used a hot glue gun you will never use anything else. Most aquatic plant nurseries use it too. And this does not hurt the plants at all ????? would have thought the heat would have affected them. So what do you do ??? put a dab on the item you are wanting to stick the plant to and then just press plant onto the glue ????? Cheers Drags Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLL Posted August 17, 2007 Share Posted August 17, 2007 Once you have used a hot glue gun you will never use anything else. Most aquatic plant nurseries use it too. I love this idea but are you sure that the glue is not toxic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishdance Posted August 19, 2007 Share Posted August 19, 2007 Yes, hotglue is quite safe and hasnt burnt any of my plants. Do a google specifically for fishtanks if you wish. I just dab on small drop size portions and when they start to cool off, I simply hold and align the plants in place till it sets. Quick, simple and easy but it doesnt adhere that well onto smooth surfaces. Ive only used hot glue for sticking anubias or java fern onto wood or rocks but these plants are quite tough. Fontanalis (java moss) should be fine too but since its light, superglue might work. (I sometimes use superglue as emergency sutures on larger fish or to close gaping wounds). A couple of useful links for starters Is HotGlue safe for fish? Quick Guide to using Hot Glue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adicted_to_aquatics Posted August 20, 2007 Share Posted August 20, 2007 I use cable ties, I remove them once Anubias is established. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLL Posted August 21, 2007 Share Posted August 21, 2007 Yes, hotglue is quite safe and hasnt burnt any of my plants. Do a google specifically for fishtanks if you wish. I just dab on small drop size portions and when they start to cool off, I simply hold and align the plants in place till it sets. Quick, simple and easy but it doesnt adhere that well onto smooth surfaces. Ive only used hot glue for sticking anubias or java fern onto wood or rocks but these plants are quite tough. Fontanalis (java moss) should be fine too but since its light, superglue might work. (I sometimes use superglue as emergency sutures on larger fish or to close gaping wounds). A couple of useful links for starters Is HotGlue safe for fish? Quick Guide to using Hot Glue fishdance, you are a champion. I am getting out the glue gun tonight. Such a simple thing and I can imagine it is really effective and simple. No more rubber bands, ties, fishing line or cotton for me !!!!! I was more worried about the toxicity than heat but it seems this is not a problem either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOLEMNDRAGON Posted August 22, 2007 Author Share Posted August 22, 2007 Thanks for all the ideas i think i will try the hot glue out and see what its like. cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.