are tooth picks safe?

[Coel]

title says it all. can i use toothpicks to help hold small plants down while they build their initial roots?

 

[reefdiver]

I don't think you need them. What kind of plants are you trying to hold down?

 

[Coel]

Dwarf baby tears and only for a few days the mats had very dense roots

 

[reefdiver]

I think they will do ok. It will take some time for them to decompose

 

[Rivercats]

I've used them before with that but you will find they will work out of the substrate. The best way to plant HC is break the pieces into small 1/2" clumps and just stick them into the substrate. Plant them about 1/2" to 3/4" apart in a checkerboard pattern as this will actually help them fill in faster.

 

[Coel]

Thanks rivercats. Take a look http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/coels-75g-build-261943-8.html does that look right?

 

[dragonfisher33]

you can break the HC mat a little more to cover more ground. but other than that you've got the right idea

 

[Coel]

Thanks I will decide that tomorrow I spent enough time playing fish boy today

 

[Rivercats]

Thanks rivercats. Take a look http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/coels-75g-build-261943-8.html does that look right?

I agree you should break those HC clumps up more and plant them checkerboard pattern as they really will grow better and fill in faster.

 

[Coel]

Looks like I got some work to do I will post a nee picture in my build thread