How to store plants without a tank

[LeoFern]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the middle of redoing a couple of tanks, dealing with an algae issue and treating a camallanus problem. All my plants are currently in a bucket.

I'm facing a bit of a time crunch and I'll be away for a week, so I was wondering if it's okay to leave the plants in the bucket for that long. I won't have time to replant them before I leave.

The plants I'm concerned about are an anubias, jungle val, java fern, ambulia, java moss, duckweed, and this mystery plant.

I'm not sure if I need to add a heater to the bucket - my house is usually around 20C. What about nutrients, lighting, and aeration - are they necessary?

[happyone]

A clear container near a light source, but not right in it, would be the way to go.

[LeoFern]

I'll be keeping the bucket in a room with a small window, but it won't be getting any direct sunlight. It might actually be quite dark in there. I was thinking, would it be better if I just put the tank light on top of the bucket?

[happyone]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the middle of redoing a couple of tanks, dealing with an algae issue and treating a camallanus problem. All my plants are currently in a bucket.

I'm facing a bit of a time crunch and I'll be away for a week, so I was wondering if it's okay to leave the plants in the bucket for that long. I won't have time to replant them before I leave.

The plants I'm concerned about are an anubias, jungle val, java fern, ambulia, java moss, duckweed, and this mystery plant.

I'm not sure if I need to add a heater to the bucket - my house is usually around 20C. What about nutrients, lighting, and aeration - are they necessary?

That should work fine, just be mindful of the tank light's temperature, don't want it to overheat the bucket.

[TankWarrior]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the middle of redoing a couple of tanks, dealing with an algae issue and treating a camallanus problem. All my plants are currently in a bucket.

I'm facing a bit of a time crunch and I'll be away for a week, so I was wondering if it's okay to leave the plants in the bucket for that long. I won't have time to replant them before I leave.

The plants I'm concerned about are an anubias, jungle val, java fern, ambulia, java moss, duckweed, and this mystery plant.

I'm not sure if I need to add a heater to the bucket - my house is usually around 20C. What about nutrients, lighting, and aeration - are they necessary?

Hi Joel, no need to worry about the bucket, it's fine for the plants. I'd recommend getting a clip-on light if they'll be in there for a while, that way you can provide them with the light they need. No need for a heater, but adding a small air stone attached to an air pump would be a good idea. You can also use a little fish food as fertilizer, just drop some in the bucket - since there are no fish, it won't cause any issues. Your plants need nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus to thrive, so this will help.

[LeoFern]

Thanks for all the advice. I'll add an airstone to the bucket and set up the tank light on a timer. I'll also drop some fish food in there for fertilizer. Since the room temperature is around 20C, I'm hoping that'll be fine for the week I'm away.

[TankWarrior]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the middle of redoing a couple of tanks, dealing with an algae issue and treating a camallanus problem. All my plants are currently in a bucket.

I'm facing a bit of a time crunch and I'll be away for a week, so I was wondering if it's okay to leave the plants in the bucket for that long. I won't have time to replant them before I leave.

The plants I'm concerned about are an anubias, jungle val, java fern, ambulia, java moss, duckweed, and this mystery plant.

I'm not sure if I need to add a heater to the bucket - my house is usually around 20C. What about nutrients, lighting, and aeration - are they necessary?

No issues with 20C, I've had plants outside in 10C water for weeks without problems. Good lighting and NPK, they'll be fine.

[Avalon]

I've been in your shoes before, and trust me, I've learned the hard way. If you want my honest opinion, I'd say ditch the bucket idea and go for a clear plastic tote instead. Not only will it provide better visibility, but it'll also give you more room to work with.

I'd recommend adding an air stone or a temporary filter for some water circulation. If you're planning to leave it near a light source, that's fine, but I'd suggest putting a light on top of it for better results. I've lost count of how many times I've left plants in a bucket, only to forget about them and watch them disintegrate.

Take it from me, get a storage tote and transfer your plants there. It's a safer bet, and you'll be glad you did.

[TankWarrior]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the middle of redoing a couple of tanks, dealing with an algae issue and treating a camallanus problem. All my plants are currently in a bucket.

I'm facing a bit of a time crunch and I'll be away for a week, so I was wondering if it's okay to leave the plants in the bucket for that long. I won't have time to replant them before I leave.

The plants I'm concerned about are an anubias, jungle val, java fern, ambulia, java moss, duckweed, and this mystery plant.

I'm not sure if I need to add a heater to the bucket - my house is usually around 20C. What about nutrients, lighting, and aeration - are they necessary?

Hello Avalon. You can grow out plants in a five gallon bucket, no problem. They just need some basics - an NPK food source, decent lighting, oxygen. And don't forget to change the water weekly if they're gonna be in there for a while. Stagnant water's a plant killer, so that's key. I'm assuming the poster's gonna take good care of 'em.