AQUATIC PLANTS 27 



PLANTING 



Planting is usually done directly in the sand or grit. Some aquarists 

 prefer planting in miniature pots or special earthenware or cement trays, 

 so that when it is desired to clean the aquarium it will not be necessary 

 to uproot the plants. In potting plants in this manner a few pebbles 

 should be placed in the bottom of the pot and then a layer of clean soil, 

 preferably from a pond or stream. Spread the roots well into the soil 

 and then cover with about one-half inch of sand, so that the earth cannot 

 become free and thus cloud the aquarium water. An inverted piece of 

 turf may be used instead of aquatic soil. As a rule, it is not advisable 

 to use any soil in planting the aquarium itself. 



The first operation in planting an aquarium is to see that the sand 

 or grit is thoroughly clean. This can only be brought about by a long 

 and thorough washing. After the water runs clear from the sand, 

 spread the bottom of the aquarium to a depth of, say, half an inch. If 

 rockwork is to be introduced, place this now. Next fill with about two 

 inches of water. Now take the roots of Sagittaria, Vallisneria, or other 

 rooted plants, and spread them out well on the aquarium floor. After the 

 proper arrangement of plants is made, add from an inch to two inches of 

 coarse sand, being careful not to completely cover any of the leaves. 

 Do not make the sand deeper than sufficient to hold the plants in position. 

 Now fill the aquarium, and then with a slender stick lift any leaves which 

 have been held down by the sand. After the leaves have been brought 

 into an upright position, take hold of them and pull upwards until the 

 crown of the plant comes just to the surface of the sand. Aquatic 

 plants with crowns seem to do better if the crown is not quite covered. 

 The crown is the point from which the leaves put out. Such plants should 

 be inserted singly and room left for young plants to spread from runners. 



Plants that have become uprooted in a filled aquarium can best be 

 replaced by the use of planting sticks described on page 121. 



Care is needed in planting so as not to allow the leaves to become 

 even partially dry. This can be prevented by frequent sprinkling, and 

 the work should be completed as rapidly as possible. 



Bunches of Anacharis, Cabomba, Myriophyllum and other plants 

 can be added last. These need to be weighted down with bits of lead 

 or tin wire. In filling the aquarium it is a good plan to place a piece 

 of paper in the center of the aquarium and let the water strike on this. 

 After there is sufficient water to allow the paper to float, place it on the 

 surface. A moderate stream poured on it, instead of sinking it, as one 

 might expect, causes it to ride on the top of the water. By this method 

 the plants will not be seriously disturbed. The use of a watering pot 



