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Trimming advice for someone learning

Bradders

Bradders

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Hi All,

I read a few threads on this, but I still need a bit of confidence and direct advice!

Today is maintenance day and I need to do something with the plants which have grown, and either touching the surface or very nearly doing that. They are becoming thick, so also worried about flow/shading. Time to get trimming!

The Amazon Swords are giving me bother. Basically, they are "all leaf" and need to be cut down. I was told to find the leaves, go down to the base, and cut as low as possible to remove the leaves. Assuming correct, and that they are all pretty big, how should i approach this? i.e. if they are all big, then I don't want to cut all of them (bare tank syndrome!), and I am concerned that nothing will grow back.

I just need some advice on handling this, from those who have done this a million times more than me!

Any advice is greatly welcomed. Remember, I am somewhat new to this stage!

Thanks,
Brad

==== Details =====

1. Size of tank: 250L
2. Age of the system is approximately: 8 weeks
3. Tap water parameters: All within normal
4. Filtration and Media: Oase 850
5. Lighting and duration: WRGB Pro 2, 30%, 6.5 Hours
6. Substrate: Tropica Aquasoil
7. Co2 dosing or Non-dosing: CO2 Dosing
8. Drop Checker: Lime Green
9. Fertilizers used + Ratios: TNC Complete, 10ml per day
10. Water change regime and composition: Weekly, 50%
11. Plant list + Invitro/Emersed: Amazon Swords, Buce, Anubis etc
12. Inhabitants: 3 Green Neon Rasboars

IMG_1422.jpeg
 
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Hi Bradders
Amazon swords grow from the middle so you can remove leaves from the outside!
Personally, I would only remove two per plant at a time.
You can always add a root tablet/ball/stick if you have them, to help with new growth.
 
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G H Nelson said:
Hi Bradders
Amazon swords grow from the middle so you can remove leaves from the outside!
Personally, I would only remove two per plant at a time.
You can always add a root tablet/ball/stick if you have them, to help with new growth.
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Thank you! I will proceed as directed.
 
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FrozenShivers said:
Already got some great advice, plants are looking healthy and growing nicely since I last seen this tank, got a full tank shot?
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I think they are doing OK.

Whilst there is growth, it is starting to look unruly! Hence, I wanted to trim to create some space at the top for aesthetics, flow purposes and reduce shading for the plants below.

I also need to increase my clean-up crew, as the white sand is showing signs of diatoms and algae.

IMG_1425.jpeg
 
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As already mentioned remove the outermost leaves and I know it sounds a bit weird but I usually time the removal of said leaves just before I trim my fingernails and use my thumb nail to sever the stem at substrate level or just below if possible, I occasionally use scissors but usually end up cutting the wrong leaf off or the top off of a smaller plant.
 
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bazz said:
As already mentioned remove the outermost leaves and I know it sounds a bit weird but I usually time the removal of said leaves just before I trim my fingernails and use my thumb nail to sever the stem at substrate level or just below if possible, I occasionally use scissors but usually end up cutting the wrong leaf off or the top off of a smaller plant.
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Ha you’re not alone! I do exactly the same with my bush of crypts Wendetii green. Just impossible to cut a leaf without cutting another or two. Nails do the great job 👏
Is that a new trend in aquarium plants trimming? 😂
 
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bazz said:
I know it sounds a bit weird but I usually time the removal of said leaves just before I trim my fingernails
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MrClockOff said:
Nails do the great job
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If it works, it works!! Ill give this a go as well. Does give you a 'feel' for what you are doing above and beyond the detachment of cold hard steel scissors!
 
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MrClockOff said:
Ha you’re not alone! I do exactly the same with my bush of crypts Wendetii green. Just impossible to cut a leaf without cutting another or two. Nails do the great job 👏
Is that a new trend in aquarium plants trimming? 😂
Click to expand...

When cutting large plants like echinidorus, I also often use my nails even though I have about 3 different styles of scaping scissors :woot:

Tank is looking great, love all the echinidorus, going to be using a bunch of them in my tank also. You've done well to still have a solid visual on the hardscape, lovely contrast. I'm still toying with the idea of using both aquasoil as well as decorative sand like you have done, has it been a nightmare with soil creeping forward or not much of an issue?
 
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Bradders said:
I think they are doing OK.

Whilst there is growth, it is starting to look unruly! Hence, I wanted to trim to create some space at the top for aesthetics, flow purposes and reduce shading for the plants below.

I also need to increase my clean-up crew, as the white sand is showing signs of diatoms and algae.

View attachment 224001
Click to expand...
@Bradders Your tank look freaking amazing!.... Great Job! 🙏❤️

Cheers,
Michael
 
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