How to Anchor Plants in an Aquarium

The presence of live plants in an aquarium can have a positive effect on the water chemistry and the health of the fish. Plants provide additional oxygen as well as living space for territorial fish. Some plants, however, can have difficulty remaining tethered to the bottom of the aquarium. There are several different ways that keep an aquatic plant tied to the aquarium floor without harming the plant or the other life in the tank.

Things You'll Need

  • Lead anchor strips
  • Monofilament fishing line
  • Plastic soda or water bottle
  • Aquarium gravel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the plastic water or soda bottle container approximately 1 inch above the bottom, leaving a 1 inch tall "dish." This dish will serve as a makeshift planter for the aquarium plant or plants.

    • 2

      Wrap the lead plant strip loosely around the bottom of the plant. If it's difficult to get the lead strips to stay around the plants, use the monofilament to bind the plant and the lead strip together.

    • 3

      Arrange the plant or plants in the dish that was created in the first step. Multiple plants can be arranged in a single dish if size permits. There must be ample room for roots to grow so don't overcrowd the dish.

    • 4

      Fill the remainder of the container with aquarium gravel. The gravel will add to the container's ability to weigh down the plant.

    • 5

      Arrange the dish/anchor in the aquarium as desired. These anchors can be left on the surface of the gravel, or buried under it. Either configuration will allow the plant to stay anchored down in the aquarium. The only difference is visual appeal, and whether or not you want the anchors to be seen.