Plants Vs Undergravel Filters

[aaronus]

Does it hurt a plant any to have an undergravel filter drawing water down under it?

 

[keenonfish]

I just can't grow plants in my UGF tanks but they are small and I believe getting the plant away from the uplift tube makes a big difference.

Saying that I moved what was left of my duckweed to a tank with decent lighting and also left it floating and it is growing but VERY slowly. I am not bothering until I get the other thing sorted!

 

[aaronnorth]

Does it hurt a plant any to have an undergravel filter drawing water down under it?

yes, it duisturbs the roots and it also brings oxygen through the substrate which keeps elements like iron locked up in its oxidised form which plants cannot use.