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fish uprooting my plants - solutions?
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 7:34 pm
by northstar
My tank's a 20 gallon with sand substrate, and my Goldfish keep digging up my Amazon Swords. Tried heavier rocks around the base, but they still get tossed. Any tricks to keep plants anchored?
Re: fish uprooting my plants - solutions?
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 8:41 pm
by florian
Goldfish are notorious for this. Have you tried planting in small terra cotta pots? Bury the pots in the substrate, and the roots will anchor better. Also, floating plants like Frogbit might distract them from digging.
Re: fish uprooting my plants - solutions?
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 10:34 pm
by northoak
Dude, Goldfish are basically underwater bulldozers. I gave up on rooted plants and switched to Anubias glued to driftwood. They can't rip that out, and it's low-maintenance. Bonus: no more sandstorms in the tank.
Re: fish uprooting my plants - solutions?
Posted: Fri May 23, 2025 12:17 am
by brownie
northoak wrote: ↑Thu May 22, 2025 10:34 pm
Dude, Goldfish are basically underwater bulldozers. I gave up on rooted plants and switched to Anubias glued to driftwood. They can't rip that out, and it's low-maintenance. Bonus: no more sandstorms in the tank.
Second this. Anubias and Java Fern on hardscape are goldfish-proof. Just avoid burying their rhizomes.
Re: fish uprooting my plants - solutions?
Posted: Fri May 23, 2025 1:21 am
by florina
If you're dead set on swords, try weighting the roots with lead plant weights before burying. Also, feed more greens—sometimes they dig less if they're full of blanched zucchini.
Re: fish uprooting my plants - solutions?
Posted: Fri May 23, 2025 2:30 am
by northstar
Thanks for the ideas! Gonna try the terra cotta pots first. If that fails, I'll switch to Anubias. Appreciate the help.
Re: fish uprooting my plants - solutions?
Posted: Fri May 23, 2025 2:55 am
by brooklen
My Betta does this too, but like, way less dramatic. Maybe your Goldfish are just extra? Lol.
Re: fish uprooting my plants - solutions?
Posted: Fri May 23, 2025 4:38 am
by Lyrax
Is your tank crowded? Less space might make them dig more. Just a thought.
Re: fish uprooting my plants - solutions?
Posted: Fri May 23, 2025 4:54 am
by bronzeoak
Coarse gravel instead of sand could help. Heavier particles are harder to displace.
Re: fish uprooting my plants - solutions?
Posted: Fri May 23, 2025 5:39 am
by sandcat
florian wrote: ↑Thu May 22, 2025 8:41 pm
Goldfish are notorious for this. Have you tried planting in small terra cotta pots? Bury the pots in the substrate, and the roots will anchor better. Also, floating plants like Frogbit might distract them from digging.
Terra cotta works great for me. Also, check your water flow—high current can loosen plants.