Lead weights for plants

[Oli]

Hi guys, read a variety of different opinions online so thought I’d ask here.

Can I keep and bury the lead weight that comes with some plants to keep them from being uprooted by my fish?

 

[mbsqw1d]

If they are in fact lead then you're best not to. Whilst they're known as lead weights, they're usually made from zinc or magnesium.

How deep is your substrate?

 

[Oli]

Ah okay, the substrate is relatively deep. I have a Severum which I am aware is notorious for destroying plants. He seems to favour a couple in particular and while he doesn’t destroy them, he does uproot them. Since using the “lead” weights they have remained intact, it would be a shame to get rid. Is there perhaps an alternative?

 

[Uberhoust]

The weight strips I have seen here in Canada are definitely lead, or at least have a very high lead component. The issues with lead are primarily with the salts it can form, particularly in a moist oxygenated environment. But in the tank itself I don't think there is much issue with the lead if it is kept underwater, because lead is insoluble in water. I keep the lead strips I get to hold plants down from time to time, but I have never left them in place permanently. I personally think you would be OK to use the lead strips.

 

[mbsqw1d]

Ah okay, the substrate is relatively deep. I have a Severum which I am aware is notorious for destroying plants. He seems to favour a couple in particular and while he doesn’t destroy them, he does uproot them. Since using the “lead” weights they have remained intact, it would be a shame to get rid. Is there perhaps an alternative?

Once the roots grow long enough, you can trap them by sitting small rocks and pebbles upon them. Or you could tie or glue them to hardscape such as rocks or wood. The lead weights will be ok short term.

 

[Avel1896]

they're usually made from zinc or magnesium.

As lead is a poisonous metal, "usually" is way too imprecise to me. In doubt remove any of them.
We also use "weight" to stabilise plants but made of terra cotta.

 

[enricosonic]

I can’t speak about all the plants weights out there but many are not lead, but a Zinc Magnesium alloy that is safe for all tank inhabitants.

 

[Avel1896]

many are not lead

Many doesn't seem every. According to me, better safe then sorry

 

[enricosonic]

Many doesn't seem every. According to me, better safe then sorry

The online aquatic plant store I use (as well as other retailers) specify it. My LFS uses weights that look and feel exactly the same to me (and I’ll bet they are), but when asked, they have no clue. So I understand the apprehension.

 

[itiwhetu]

I have always used lead strips to anchor plants and have never had a problem.

 

[enricosonic]

I have always used lead strips to anchor plants and have never had a problem.

That’s because they’re not lead. Lead-based sinkers used for fishing will leach toxins into the water.

These strips we all use are a magnesium alloy. They look and feel like lead. Soft, pliable and heavy for their size. They ain’t lead dagnabbit!

 

[itiwhetu]

That’s because they’re not lead. Lead-based sinkers used for fishing will leach toxins into the water.

These strips we all use are a magnesium alloy. They look and feel like lead. Soft, pliable and heavy for their size. They ain’t lead dagnabbit!

No, we cut strips of lead to anchor plants. we would buy lead on a roll about 5cm wide and cut strips about 4-5mm off that roll. It is such a small amount of lead in a huge volume of water that it was never a problem. I had some of those strips for years.

 

[enricosonic]

I understand that a small amount of something harmful can be mitigated by the sheer volume of water you dealt with. But today, in let’s say a 10 g tank you don’t want to introduce lead. And thankfully one doesn’t need to.

 

[itiwhetu]

I understand that a small amount of something harmful can be mitigated by the sheer volume of water you dealt with. But today, in let’s say a 10 g tank you don’t want to introduce lead. And thankfully one doesn’t need to.

It would be hard to find a fish, that has died of lead poisoning in any aquarium

 

[StevenF]

There is no way to know what the weights are made that came with purchesed plants. Only a lab can tell you that. I have purchased Lead free solder which isa used to join copper water pipes. as weights in my tank It is usually mix of tin copper and silver. later for unrelated reasons I had a lab test done on my water. It showed only few parts per billion of silver. And I never saw any harmful effects on my plant or fish.