pepetj

Hi everybody
I started a 10 gal FW planted tank recently -cycled it in 12 days, with your help. I have bunched plants attached with lead weight stripes that I picked up at my LFS. I was wondering if the lead is safe or not for the guys living in the tank -7 apple snails, 1 female betta, 8 zebra danios (4 of them Glofish). Should I get rid of them and use drilled river stones instead?
Pepe Teijeiro
Old Newby
Santo Domingo

Isabella

I'd personally be afraid to put any kind of lead in any of my fish tanks, or any metal for that matter. Since lead is toxic to humans, it's toxic to other life forms too. BUT ... there are lead anchors available for sale, so I suppose they're not toxic if they're being sold? Here's one example: http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...axplantanchors (click on the picture to enlarge and read what it says on the box). But as I've said, I'd personally not use any metals in my tank, even if they were labeled as "safe". It's your choice I suppose.

pepetj

Thanks Isabella, I'm gonna get rid of the lead strips. What's a GAE (in your 30 gal tank?)

Isabella

GAE = Golden Algae Eater (also called "Chinese" algae eater). As for the lead ... I am not 100% sure if it's unsafe. All I said was that I'd personally not use it . Maybe wait for other members' opinions and see what they'd do?

Munny

I have to agree with Isabella. They claim that the lead is safe, but I wouldn't put a lead sinker in my drinking cup, would you?

I have no problems keeping my plants planted in gravel. i recommend using a rubber band wrapped around the stem to give it a base.

If you can't, then just clear a hole out and pile the gravel around the stem. So far i have not had a problem keeping my plants planted.

Isabella

LOL ... yeah, not exactly something I'd do either!

Me neither. Unless you have not enough gravel. Otherwise, gravel should hold the plants in place perfectly well.