Gravel To Large For Live Plants?

Ok, I have larger gravel than the average tank probably, but is there such thing as gravel thats too large for plants to take root? I'll upload pics of it in a bit if need be. I'm considering switching to live plants.

gravel can be too large for plants to root yes.

Here's a pic, is this gravel too large?

how big are the pieces, anything to compare it to?

jayjay said:

how big are the pieces, anything to compare it to?

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These pics should help

it's not huge, i would think there are plants that would root on it.

what plants are you looking into?

jayjay said:

it's not huge, i would think there are plants that would root on it.

what plants are you looking into?

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Not sure yet, maby some java fern and anubias. Could you recommend some for my gravel size? I would also like some that don't require much light, daily fertilizer, or co2.

I would say that it is alright for java fern and maybe even some crypts.

SiameseFighter said:

I would say that it is alright for java fern and maybe even some crypts.

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Do any of those plants require co2 or fertilizer?

Mako Man111 said:

SiameseFighter said:

I would say that it is alright for java fern and maybe even some crypts.

Click to expand...

Do any of those plants require co2 or fertilizer?

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Humorously enough, neither Java Fern nor Anubias would ideally be planted into the gravel. Well, java fern at least is purely by attachment of rhizomes to above gravel surfacces. Anubias is the same, but can tolerate planting as well. So basically, even if you had a concrete slab as your base, you could still tie your java fern onto a piece of wood or a rock and it'd work great! And no, generally speaking Java Fern and Anubias don't REQUIRE co2 or fertilizers, but remember, if you want htem to grow well and flourish, making the conditions better can't hurt. Know what I mean?

As for other plants, large gravel is tough for plants to grow through because the roots aren't strong enough to move the pieces around. Also, small fish disturb the gravel and can cause the shifting rocks to crush the roots. Smaller is always better

I managed to get most of the plants I have tried to grow well in standard aquarium gravel, except anubias and java fern, which I've always attached to wood. If you're not using CO2 or fertilizers, you can get most commonly available crypts (cryptocorynes) to root well. You'll get better growth, however, if you can manage to stick your hand into the gravel every three months to add a root tab. Your crypts will thank you for it. I have even managed to grow some of the more fancy stem plants to take root in standard gravel, but I also had very good lighting and added CO2 and fertilizers. My 15g in the member's tank section of the Planted forum is done with regular gravel that isn't much different from yours.

I do agree that smaller gravel is much better. As soon as I switched to a 1-3mm grain gravel, I can now grow most lawncovers as well with my lighting and ferts, making me very happy.