Tried Rearranging Tank

[mikster]

ok i tried separating out some of my amazon swords and also generally moving my plants around and changing my bogwood. My problem is the amazon sword had developed a massive root system and i have disturbed all my tank getting it up and also ive got fine bits of root all floating in my tank. Should i have trimmed the roots down before trying to replant? will they rot about the sand? basically i have messed my tank up big time and i need help! should i move my two fish (gourami and bristlenose) into my hospital tank and then take the water out and sort it all out?

cheers

very stressed mike

 

[Themuleous]

You could have trimmed the roots, but it shouldn't make to much difference. Unless the water is very very cloudy, the fish should be fine.

Sam

 

[mikster]

ok the water has cleared and all the stuff settled now, roots still popping out the sand, might give them a trim, im guessing this will slow the growth of the swords a bit but i guess thats not a problem as they have been growing very fast as it is.

 

[flynn]

I'm not sure if it is completely relevant, but in the non-aquatic world a lot of plants respond well to root pruning. So it might be best to try clipping the roots of one bunch and observing how they behave compared to the others.

 

[Themuleous]

Tis true, and the same applies to several aquatic plants, clipping the roots actually stimulate root growth. Cant remember which species it is though, sorry. Although I think its more common than not.