Special tools

[NigelK8485]

Those of you with planted tanks, do you have special equipment for the plants? Such as little scissors and pruners or do you just use regular scissors or your hands?


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[F.Sam]

I'm not really an aquascaper who deals with tiny plants that need constant trimming. Smallest plant I got is pogostemon helferi, so I never saw the need for specialist tools.


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[ImACoolguy]

I got a little set for like $10 and use the scissors to trim up my plants. Besides that there's not really a need because my tank isn't heavily planted or has something like carpets.


Caleb

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[Fresh2o]

I use stainless steel scissors and tongs for planting and maintenance. The scissors are straight and sleek allowing me to select stems (say within a clump) to prune. Removing old and/or algae covered leaves can be done without disrupting the plant or nearby plants. I use the tongs for planting smaller stem plants into the substrate. Very helpful in tight spaces. I also use it to pull stray strands of Java moss and hair algae from the tank.


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[Brookster123]

Best ones I've picked up yet.
http://www.hanaquatics.com/9-5-wave-scissors/

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[pittbully13]

I have two pairs of straight tongs, the only thing that differs between them are their tips, one is wider and the other. And for trimming I have a small pair of curved scissors and regular kids scissors I jacked from my kids...lol

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[TheresaM]

Best ones I've picked up yet.
9.5" Wave Scissors - Han Aquatics

I have the same. I use the tongs frequently. And I have a pair of 6" or so stainless scissors-think they're meant for hair trimming-that are for tank use only.

 

[PerfectDepth]

I have a set of aquascaping tools that came with their own pouch, but I rarely use them anymore. If I still had any tanks taller than 12" I would use the scissors, but for now I prefer a short & narrow pair of regular scissors. For planting I like the ZooMed feeding tongs since they're a bit wider than the widest pair in my kit, plus they're only 10".


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[Fresh2o]

Best ones I've picked up yet.
http://www.hanaquatics.com/9-5-wave-scissors/

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Are the wave scissors the same as curved scissors? If not, what is the difference? Curved scissors make sense if you want to cut stems and leaves straight across rather than diagonal (makes it easier).


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[Fresh2o]

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[Brookster123]

Are the wave scissors the same as curved scissors? If not, what is the difference? Curved scissors make sense if you want to cut stems and leaves straight across rather than diagonal (makes it easier).


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Not quite, they allow for a flat/level trim with holding your hand all awkwardly.. good for carpet plants.. they're also quite sturdy, good for cutting stems with heavy roots.

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[Slavo]

I use GLA scissors and pincettes, but from their older line. Looks a lot like these:
Pro-Scissor Wave 200mm (Tungsten Carbide) | Green Leaf Aquariums
Pro-Pinsettes M Curve 250mm | Green Leaf Aquariums

I also use cuticle scissors for my 2g cube for trimming, like this:

 

[Brookster123]

I use GLA scissors and pincettes, but from their older line. Looks a lot like these:
Pro-Scissor Wave 200mm (Tungsten Carbide) | Green Leaf Aquariums
Pro-Pinsettes M Curve 250mm | Green Leaf Aquariums

I also use cuticle scissors for my 2g cube for trimming, like this:

So much $$$$ for that stuff man..

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[TheresaM]

Oh yeah, curved cuticle scissors are great for the nano tanks!

 

[Slavo]

So much $$$$ for that stuff man..

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haha , I got the scissors and pincettes on a close out sale before GLA released their new line of aquascaping tools, which is what they are presently stocking. So I got them for $25 each, instead of like $60 and $30. I would never pay normal price for those tools, although they are niiice.

The cuticle scissors, were like less then $5 at Target I think.

 

[Slavo]

Oh yeah, curved cuticle scissors are great for the nano tanks!

Yes! So much better than trying to trim dwarf hairgrass in a 2g cube tank with 12" GLA scissors, not like I tried it or anything...

 

[Slavo]

What I really want though are these!!! I saw this pic on a forum once (can't remember which one), but ever since I saw them, I've wanted a pair. But alas, I can't find where their sold. I would be great it I could, they would make trimming foreground plants in nano tanks even easier than my cuticle scissor solution.

 

[TheresaM]

Yes! So much better than trying to trim dwarf hairgrass in a 2g cube tank with 12" GLA scissors, not like I tried it or anything...

I understand that! The majority of my tanks are under 5g, gets challenging!

 

[TheresaM]

What I really want though are these!!! I saw this pic on a forum once (can't remember which one), but ever since I saw them, I've wanted a pair. But alas, I can't find where their sold. I would be great it I could, they would make trimming foreground plants in nano tanks even easier than my cuticle scissor solution.

Think it's something like this?

 

[Slavo]

Think it's something like this?

That's pretty close! Don't know if I'd spend $25 on tools again, my budget has significantly decreased since I tore down my 2g cube. But considering the convenience, it might be work it. Do you own a pair?