rollergirl Posted February 28, 2008 Report Share Posted February 28, 2008 I had a re-arrange of my planted tank today and got rid of all the indian fern that was growing along the back of the tank and blocking the light from my plants at the front. Now I've decided I like the slightly barer look better, I want to move my 'showpiece' sword slightly back so that it is more centred. It's pretty well established (grown in tank from 10cm to 25cm+ over about 4 months), I think the variety is Marbled Queen Sword. I'm assuming it will be pretty well rooted, do I just dig around the bottom of it to get the roots loose then move over? Don't want to damage it if possible. Any advice would be appreciated, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tHEcONCH Posted February 28, 2008 Report Share Posted February 28, 2008 I'd just put my hands around the base (palms on the gravel) and shove the whole thing, gravel and all, to where you want it. Smooth out the gravel afterwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faran Posted February 28, 2008 Report Share Posted February 28, 2008 I'd just put my hands around the base (palms on the gravel) and shove the whole thing, gravel and all, to where you want it. Smooth out the gravel afterwards. Excellent method but it won't work if you have an undergravel filter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollergirl Posted February 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2008 I don't have an undergravel filter so will just go for it then 8) Cheers for the quick replies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted February 28, 2008 Report Share Posted February 28, 2008 If it is 25cm it is just a baby. They are a variegated cordifolius (radicans) and it is likely to grow to a metre or more so I hope you have a big tank. They go through two stages of growth, one where they are a nice compact plant and then all hell brakes lose and they try to run away with the aquarium lid and all you see from the front of the tank is stalks. You can retard this second stage by cutting off the stage two leaves, cutting the roots periodically or knocking the growth back by moving it as you have (because the existing roots will die and it will grow new ones). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smax Posted February 28, 2008 Report Share Posted February 28, 2008 i moved a couple of my swords that outgrew a small tank into a bigger tank and all i did was pull then up holding the base then cut the roots about 2cm from the base and they showed no sign of any harm and haven't stopped growing. that was the recomendation of a very experienced guy that i know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted February 28, 2008 Report Share Posted February 28, 2008 I think the reason your friend suggested cutting the roots is because they generally die when relocated. I leave them on to anchor the plant while it does that. Both are valid so you pays your money and takes your pick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smax Posted February 29, 2008 Report Share Posted February 29, 2008 if you plant the base of the plant well enough in the subtrate 2cm of roots should be ample to ancor the plant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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