fish damaging my aquarium plants

[Burgermuncher]

I've got a few java ferns on rocks in my tank and they're doing great, but my crypts are a different story. I've got fish digging around the bases, looking for food scraps and they keep getting uprooted every couple days. I come home to find them floating. Any suggestions on how to keep them planted? I'm using 4-5mm gravel as substrate, not sure if that's part of the issue. Maybe I should just switch to plants I can attach to driftwood or rocks instead?

[bronze_shield]

I've had similar issues with my plants getting uprooted. One thing you could try is using plant weights to keep them submerged. These days, there are more eco-friendly options available, which is a plus. They won't prevent the plants from getting uprooted, but at least they'll stay below the surface.

Alternatively, you could try holding them down with some pebbles or small rocks. I've found this method to be pretty effective.

Another option would be to use those small pots that come with plants from the shop. Just be sure to bury them deep enough in the substrate.

I've also used a plastic bottle top with an 'X' cut in it to anchor some of my plants. This method has worked well for me, even in my sand substrate, which isn't ideal for plant anchoring.

By the way, what kind of fish do you have in your tank?

[oceancrew_11]

I use bits of decor like driftwood - it's got natural holding points - and rocks, I've got a rockery in my tank, and I trap the edges of the pots under it. I only bury a tiny bit of the pot in the substrate.

[Doubled]

I'm not sure those little pots are the way to go, especially if they're not designed for aquatic plants, and even then I doubt they're suitable for crypts.

[Burgermuncher]

Appreciate the suggestions, the bottle cap method seems like a great solution, I'll definitely give that a try.

[bronze_shield]

I'm not sure those little pots are the way to go, especially if they're not designed for aquatic plants, and even then I doubt they're suitable for crypts.

I recall @oceancrew_11 being corrected on this point previously.

[oceancrew_11]

Would be great to see a pic of your tank and the plants, might give us a better idea of how to help you with the crypts.

[Doubled]

I do recall @oceancrew_11 being corrected previously.

[Burgermuncher]

Here are a few photos of my tank and plants. I'll be trying the bottle cap trick tonight on the one that's currently floating. If it works, I might do the same with the one that's still planted.

[oceancrew_11]

I think @oceancrew_11 has been called out on this before. I recall him mentioning a non-aquatic plant in his collection, and I'm pretty sure he's aware of the mistake.