plants - plant them or let them float?

[aaronf2f]

I have a 25 gallon freshwater tank that I recently purchased a plant package for. They came wrapped at the bottom with a foam like band. What I want to know is should I leave those bands on there until the roots plant themselves or unwrap them. The problem when I unwrap them is that they aren't anchored at all and just float and get stuck on the filter intake. I have good lighting, first layer pure laterite substrate and CO2 and I just want to make sure the plants will look good and flourish. Any advice on plants would be greatly appreciated!

 

[fort384]

what kind of plants are they?

 

[joy13]

The plants I get from a couple of LFS has rock wool around the roots. If left on expect a big algae crop. Depending on the type of plant is will determine if it is planted, or attached to something like driftwood or rock.

 

[aaronf2f]

I have 2 of each of the following:
Rotala Nanjenshan

 

[aaronf2f]

I have 2 of each of the following:
Rotala Nanjenshan
Rotala Rotundifolia
Ammania Gracilis
Java Fern
Ludwigia Arcuata

 

[aaronf2f]

How would I attach them to the driftwood and rock?

 

[joy13]

The java fern is the one you need to attach to the rock or driftwood. I did a little experiment this weekend I glued some java fern, java moss and riccia with super glue gel. I had heard of several people doing it and it worked very well. You can attach it with thread as well but I find it harder to handle. The rest you can plant.

 

[fort384]

ok, most of your plants can be planted directly in the substrate. Your java fern however will do better attached to a rock or driftwood. To do this, you can use fishing line or rubber bands. Eventually the plant will attach itself to the wood or rock.

I would get rid of anything that is attached to the plants.

What kind of light do you have? A few of your plant selections require medium high to high light.

What kind of CO2 are you using? What are your CO2 levels at?

At you using an fertilizer?

You have selected some great plants, but a couple of them are very difficult to grow unless conditions are just right.