Plant Pruning

[Suzie-Q]

Do you folks have special tools to prune your aquarium plants,
or do you use things you picked up at a non-lfs?

I see leaves dying on the plant in my 10-gallon aquarium and
I'd like to cut them off and take them out without disturbing
the roots (and possibly pulling the plant up). What should I
use? Would a normal pair of scissors do the job?

Thanks,
--
8^)~~~ Sue (remove the x to e-mail)
~~~~~~
"I reserve the absolute right to be smarter
today than I was yesterday." -Adlai Stevenson

http://www.suzanne-eckhardt.com/
http://www.intergnat.com/malebashing/
http://www.intergnat.com/pussygames/

[Mellie101]

Hi, I recently saw a device in Petsmart. It had a planting device on
one end and a scissor type contraption on the other. Must admit I just
have a pair of scissors that I only use for the tank. In saying that,
I have had no luck with plants so I'm probably not the best person to
ask. I'm going to try and remedy this with my 10g when its up and
running.

Not sure how much the device was in Petsmart. Sorry

Mellie

[Gill Passman]

Mellie101 wrote:
> Hi, I recently saw a device in Petsmart. It had a planting device on
> one end and a scissor type contraption on the other. Must admit I just
> have a pair of scissors that I only use for the tank. In saying that,
> I have had no luck with plants so I'm probably not the best person to
> ask. I'm going to try and remedy this with my 10g when its up and
> running.
>
> Not sure how much the device was in Petsmart. Sorry
>
> Mellie
>

I've got one of those....it's still in the cupboard under the tank
though (bought it around a month ago) - I guess one day it'll come
out....it's a Marina Multi-Tool....

Gill

[Mister Gardener]

On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 12:16:06 GMT, Suzie-Q >
wrote:

>Do you folks have special tools to prune your aquarium plants,
>or do you use things you picked up at a non-lfs?
>
>I see leaves dying on the plant in my 10-gallon aquarium and
>I'd like to cut them off and take them out without disturbing
>the roots (and possibly pulling the plant up). What should I
>use? Would a normal pair of scissors do the job?
>
>Thanks,
I use scissors. And I hide them so they don't disappear when I need
them.

-- Mister Gardener

[Mister Gardener]

On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 14:03:44 +0100, Gill Passman
> wrote:

>Mellie101 wrote:
>> Hi, I recently saw a device in Petsmart. It had a planting device on
>> one end and a scissor type contraption on the other. Must admit I just
>> have a pair of scissors that I only use for the tank. In saying that,
>> I have had no luck with plants so I'm probably not the best person to
>> ask. I'm going to try and remedy this with my 10g when its up and
>> running.
>>
>> Not sure how much the device was in Petsmart. Sorry
>>
>> Mellie
>>
>
>I've got one of those....it's still in the cupboard under the tank
>though (bought it around a month ago) - I guess one day it'll come
>out....it's a Marina Multi-Tool....
>
>Gill
That would make sense in your monster sized tank. Unless you don
S.C.U.B.A. gear and dive in with your scissors.

-- Mister Gardener

[Marco Schwarz]

Hi..

> one day it'll come out....it's a Marina Multi-Tool....

A _Marina_ Multi-Tool? In your conservatory? Hope it's no
Mari*uana Multi-Tool? ;-))
--
cu
Marco

[Gill Passman]

Marco Schwarz wrote:
> Hi..
>
>
>>one day it'll come out....it's a Marina Multi-Tool....
>
>
> A _Marina_ Multi-Tool? In your conservatory? Hope it's no
> Mari*uana Multi-Tool? ;-))


Ha, ha...

[Gail Futoran]

"Suzie-Q" > wrote in message
...
> Do you folks have special tools to prune your aquarium plants,
> or do you use things you picked up at a non-lfs?
>
> I see leaves dying on the plant in my 10-gallon aquarium and
> I'd like to cut them off and take them out without disturbing
> the roots (and possibly pulling the plant up). What should I
> use? Would a normal pair of scissors do the job?
>
> Thanks,
> --
> 8^)~~~ Sue (remove the x to e-mail)

I have one of those plant pruning thingies, which
I don't use. Normally I just snip leaves off with
my thumbnail (well rinsed hands, of course).
Dedicated (to fish tank use) scissors should work
just fine.

Gail

[Mister Gardener]

On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 16:06:41 +0200, Marco Schwarz
> wrote:

>Hi..
>
>> one day it'll come out....it's a Marina Multi-Tool....
>
>A _Marina_ Multi-Tool? In your conservatory? Hope it's no
>Mari*uana Multi-Tool? ;-))

Why do you hope not? It could take care of two stoneds at one time.

I think I'll skip the signature on this one.

[Gill Passman]

Trevor Stenson wrote:
> In article >,
> Mister Gardener > wrote:
>
>
>>On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 16:06:41 +0200, Marco Schwarz
> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Hi..
>>>
>>>
>>>>one day it'll come out....it's a Marina Multi-Tool....
>>>
>>>A _Marina_ Multi-Tool? In your conservatory? Hope it's no
>>>Mari*uana Multi-Tool? ;-))
>>
>>Why do you hope not? It could take care of two stoneds at one time.
>>
>>I think I'll skip the signature on this one.
>
>
> I find that if I don't want to stick in my hands, scissors work the
> best.
>
> If I have a lot of pruning to get at in hard to get at places, then some
> find a a mulitool better, disturbing the tank less
>
>
> But sometimes why not use both tools - Something to grasp the plant or
> stem, and something to cut it?
>
>
> I find this helpful when their are a few leaves/plants I want to trim
> and it is in a densely planted area. I find using my "multitool"
> (which has a plant grabber not scissors on one end) to isolate or push
> the stem so it is easy to get at, and then I trimming it with dedicated
> tank scissors I find it works well. It also helps one from uprooting a
> plant.
>
> Otherwise it can be frustrating, and I cut healthy leaves off by
> mistake. This has worked great for my amazon swords whose stems are
> relatively hard to cut. After trimming of dead of dying leaves the
> plants can look a little sparse. But in a few days they make a big
> comeback with many new leaves and the others growing in size. Pruning
> works in my experience just as it is supposed to with house plants.
> Plus dead or dying leaves can be just more unwanted rotting waste.
>
> Disclamer: The two tool technique is not advised if you are using a
> Mari*uana Multi-tool
>
> TS
>

One of the reasons the tool hasn't come out is I prefer the hands on
approach (steady Mr Gardener). I take the same approach in my garden
tending to avoid garden gloves except in prickly situations...

I tend to pinch off the dead leaves...

Gill

Disclaimer....I use neither...

[Koi-Lo]

"Suzie-Q" > wrote in message
...
> Do you folks have special tools to prune your aquarium plants,
> or do you use things you picked up at a non-lfs?

I don't have any tools for them besides a small sewing scissors to cut off
bad looking leaves.

> I see leaves dying on the plant in my 10-gallon aquarium and
> I'd like to cut them off and take them out without disturbing
> the roots (and possibly pulling the plant up). What should I
> use? Would a normal pair of scissors do the job?
>
> Thanks,

Yes.
--
Koi-Lo....
Frugal ponding since 1995.
Aquariums since 1952.
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
http://tinyurl.com/9do58
rec.pond's FAQ are at:
http://www.geocities.com/justinm090/faq.html
~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[Altum]

Suzie-Q wrote:
> Do you folks have special tools to prune your aquarium plants,
> or do you use things you picked up at a non-lfs?
>
> I see leaves dying on the plant in my 10-gallon aquarium and
> I'd like to cut them off and take them out without disturbing
> the roots (and possibly pulling the plant up). What should I
> use? Would a normal pair of scissors do the job?
>
> Thanks,

Sharp scissors. I keep them next to the tank. Don't pinch plants - it
tends to damage tissue more than a quick snip.

--
Put the word aquaria in the subject to reply.
Did you read the FAQ? http://faq.thekrib.com

[Jay Kaner]

"Trevor Stenson" > wrote

> Disclamer: The two tool technique is not advised if you are using a
> Mari*uana Multi-tool

In case they fall into the tank?

[Mister Gardener]

On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 23:46:36 GMT, "Jay Kaner" > wrote:

>
>"Trevor Stenson" > wrote
>
>> Disclamer: The two tool technique is not advised if you are using a
>> Mari*uana Multi-tool
>
>In case they fall into the tank?
>
In case what falls in? The users or the tools?

-- Mister Gardener

[Gill Passman]

Mister Gardener wrote:
> On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 23:46:36 GMT, "Jay Kaner" > wrote:
>
>
>>"Trevor Stenson" > wrote
>>
>>
>>>Disclamer: The two tool technique is not advised if you are using a
>>>Mari*uana Multi-tool
>>
>>In case they fall into the tank?
>>
>
> In case what falls in? The users or the tools?
>
> -- Mister Gardener

Just ignore him Jay....if you use the above board Marina tool (or
equivalent) you will be just fine....if you don't on my big tank you get
soggy bits that you don't want....I'm not about to fall into my tank and
the minute I find I can't do it by hand the tool will come out..tank is
6 foot long, 18" deep and 24" high...then add the hood and
cabinet...I'm a mere 5"6....you can imagine the challenge as Mr G should
well know...

BTW came close today...couldn't reach the inlet valve to the filter even
on a chair...job for hubby in the morning...although I'm sure he would
love me doing a home "wet T-shirt competition" attempting it....lol

[Mister Gardener]

On Tue, 18 Apr 2006 01:12:51 +0100, Gill Passman
> wrote:

>Mister Gardener wrote:
>> On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 23:46:36 GMT, "Jay Kaner" > wrote:
>>
>>
>>>"Trevor Stenson" > wrote
>>>
>>>
>>>>Disclamer: The two tool technique is not advised if you are using a
>>>>Mari*uana Multi-tool
>>>
>>>In case they fall into the tank?
>>>
>>
>> In case what falls in? The users or the tools?
>>
>> -- Mister Gardener
>
>Just ignore him Jay....if you use the above board Marina tool (or
>equivalent) you will be just fine....if you don't on my big tank you get
>soggy bits that you don't want....I'm not about to fall into my tank and
>the minute I find I can't do it by hand the tool will come out..tank is
> 6 foot long, 18" deep and 24" high...then add the hood and
>cabinet...I'm a mere 5"6....you can imagine the challenge as Mr G should
>well know...

Mister Gardener knows nothing of Gill's vertical challenges, standing
a full 6 feet himself, on good days. Have you considered having a
swing installed above the tank, or perhaps a trapeze bar from which
you can hang by your knees for reaching the way down deep levels?

>BTW came close today...couldn't reach the inlet valve to the filter even
>on a chair...job for hubby in the morning...although I'm sure he would
>love me doing a home "wet T-shirt competition" attempting it....lol

Oh my! It's getting a little risque here in the fish room.

-- Mister Gardener

[Jay Kaner]

"Mister Gardener" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 23:46:36 GMT, "Jay Kaner" > wrote:
>
>>
>>"Trevor Stenson" > wrote
>>
>>> Disclamer: The two tool technique is not advised if you are using a
>>> Mari*uana Multi-tool
>>
>>In case they fall into the tank?
>>
> In case what falls in? The users or the tools?

The User!!!! ;-)

[Jay Kaner]

"Gill Passman" > wrote in message
...
> Mister Gardener wrote:
>> On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 23:46:36 GMT, "Jay Kaner" > wrote:
>>
>>
>>>"Trevor Stenson" > wrote
>>>
>>>
>>>>Disclamer: The two tool technique is not advised if you are using a
>>>>Mari*uana Multi-tool
>>>
>>>In case they fall into the tank?
>>
>> In case what falls in? The users or the tools?
>>
>> -- Mister Gardener
>
> Just ignore him Jay....if you use the above board Marina tool (or
> equivalent) you will be just fine....if you don't on my big tank you get
> soggy bits that you don't want....I'm not about to fall into my tank and
> the minute I find I can't do it by hand the tool will come out..tank is 6
> foot long, 18" deep and 24" high...then add the hood and cabinet...I'm a
> mere 5"6....you can imagine the challenge as Mr G should well know...

6 foot long!! Bloody hell, you could go snorkling in that!! lol...

> BTW came close today...couldn't reach the inlet valve to the filter even
> on a chair...job for hubby in the morning...although I'm sure he would
> love me doing a home "wet T-shirt competition" attempting it....lol

Heh!! I'm sure he would!!

Go on...give him a treat. It's only fair. He *is* cleaning your filter
out for you, after all!!! ;-)

[Gill Passman]

Jay Kaner wrote:
> "Gill Passman" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>Mister Gardener wrote:
>>
>>>On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 23:46:36 GMT, "Jay Kaner" > wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>"Trevor Stenson" > wrote
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Disclamer: The two tool technique is not advised if you are using a
>>>>>Mari*uana Multi-tool
>>>>
>>>>In case they fall into the tank?
>>>
>>>In case what falls in? The users or the tools?
>>>
>>>-- Mister Gardener
>>
>>Just ignore him Jay....if you use the above board Marina tool (or
>>equivalent) you will be just fine....if you don't on my big tank you get
>>soggy bits that you don't want....I'm not about to fall into my tank and
>>the minute I find I can't do it by hand the tool will come out..tank is 6
>>foot long, 18" deep and 24" high...then add the hood and cabinet...I'm a
>>mere 5"6....you can imagine the challenge as Mr G should well know...
>
>
> 6 foot long!! Bloody hell, you could go snorkling in that!! lol...
>
>
>>BTW came close today...couldn't reach the inlet valve to the filter even
>>on a chair...job for hubby in the morning...although I'm sure he would
>>love me doing a home "wet T-shirt competition" attempting it....lol
>
>
> Heh!! I'm sure he would!!
>
> Go on...give him a treat. It's only fair. He *is* cleaning your filter
> out for you, after all!!! ;-)
>
>

When he gets round to actually cleaning the filter, I'll think about it ;-)

[Jay Kaner]

"Gill Passman" > wrote in message
...
> Jay Kaner wrote:
>> "Gill Passman" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>
>>>Mister Gardener wrote:
>>>
>>>>On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 23:46:36 GMT, "Jay Kaner" > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>"Trevor Stenson" > wrote
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>Disclamer: The two tool technique is not advised if you are using a
>>>>>>Mari*uana Multi-tool
>>>>>
>>>>>In case they fall into the tank?
>>>>
>>>>In case what falls in? The users or the tools?
>>>>
>>>>-- Mister Gardener
>>>
>>>Just ignore him Jay....if you use the above board Marina tool (or
>>>equivalent) you will be just fine....if you don't on my big tank you get
>>>soggy bits that you don't want....I'm not about to fall into my tank and
>>>the minute I find I can't do it by hand the tool will come out..tank is 6
>>>foot long, 18" deep and 24" high...then add the hood and cabinet...I'm a
>>>mere 5"6....you can imagine the challenge as Mr G should well know...
>>
>>
>> 6 foot long!! Bloody hell, you could go snorkling in that!! lol...
>>
>>
>>>BTW came close today...couldn't reach the inlet valve to the filter even
>>>on a chair...job for hubby in the morning...although I'm sure he would
>>>love me doing a home "wet T-shirt competition" attempting it....lol
>>
>>
>> Heh!! I'm sure he would!!
>>
>> Go on...give him a treat. It's only fair. He *is* cleaning your
>> filter out for you, after all!!! ;-)
>
> When he gets round to actually cleaning the filter, I'll think about it
> ;-)

lol You must know my missus. You sound just like her... ;-)

[2pods]

>> I see leaves dying on the plant in my 10-gallon aquarium and I'd like to
>> cut them off and take them out without disturbing
>> the roots (and possibly pulling the plant up). What should I
>> use? Would a normal pair of scissors do the job?
>>
>> Thanks,
>
> Sharp scissors. I keep them next to the tank. Don't pinch plants - it
> tends to damage tissue more than a quick snip.
>

I have the "aqua-thingy", but find the blade too weak, so tend to use
scissors and fingernails.

Oh, and stepladders.
It's 24" deep with 3" of graveland I'm only 5' 9" :-)

Peter

[Gill Passman]

2pods wrote:
>>>I see leaves dying on the plant in my 10-gallon aquarium and I'd like to
>>>cut them off and take them out without disturbing
>>>the roots (and possibly pulling the plant up). What should I
>>>use? Would a normal pair of scissors do the job?
>>>
>>>Thanks,
>>
>>Sharp scissors. I keep them next to the tank. Don't pinch plants - it
>>tends to damage tissue more than a quick snip.
>>
>
>
> I have the "aqua-thingy", but find the blade too weak, so tend to use
> scissors and fingernails.
>
> Oh, and stepladders.
> It's 24" deep with 3" of graveland I'm only 5' 9" :-)
>
> Peter
>
>

I use a dining room chair - I undersold myself earlier - I'm 5'7" but
24" plus the hood makes it an interesting and soggy experience - lol....

Interesting though to learn that even if I took the growth hormones to
gain another two inches I would still have issues - nice to know -
(mental note - throw out the pills) :-)

Gill



Gill

[Mister Gardener]

On Tue, 18 Apr 2006 20:30:15 +0100, "2pods" > wrote:

>>> I see leaves dying on the plant in my 10-gallon aquarium and I'd like to
>>> cut them off and take them out without disturbing
>>> the roots (and possibly pulling the plant up). What should I
>>> use? Would a normal pair of scissors do the job?
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>
>> Sharp scissors. I keep them next to the tank. Don't pinch plants - it
>> tends to damage tissue more than a quick snip.
>>
>
>I have the "aqua-thingy", but find the blade too weak, so tend to use
>scissors and fingernails.
>
>Oh, and stepladders.
>It's 24" deep with 3" of graveland I'm only 5' 9" :-)
>
>Peter
>
I was wondering how sturdy the scissors attachment is - are they well
built, cut crisp and sharp without bending the stem, strong enough to
cut a woody stem - more info please.

-- Mister Gardener

[Mister Gardener]

On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 17:31:14 GMT, Altum >
wrote:

>Suzie-Q wrote:
>> Do you folks have special tools to prune your aquarium plants,
>> or do you use things you picked up at a non-lfs?
>>
>> I see leaves dying on the plant in my 10-gallon aquarium and
>> I'd like to cut them off and take them out without disturbing
>> the roots (and possibly pulling the plant up). What should I
>> use? Would a normal pair of scissors do the job?
>>
>> Thanks,
>
>Sharp scissors. I keep them next to the tank. Don't pinch plants - it
>tends to damage tissue more than a quick snip.

Actually, some plants call for pinching and others for cutting.
Pinching seals the end of the stem, preventing fluids from leaking out
and infection to enter. Cutting a stem leaves an open end. This is
from my terrestrial gardening experience, I haven't gotten to know my
aqua plants that well yet. But when an article tells you to pinch,
they really mean pinch, with your fingernail and thumb. That is, of
course, if the instructions were written by someone who knows
something about plant care.

-- Mister Gardener

[Gill Passman]

Mister Gardener wrote:
> On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 17:31:14 GMT, Altum >
> wrote:
>
>
>>Suzie-Q wrote:
>>
>>>Do you folks have special tools to prune your aquarium plants,
>>>or do you use things you picked up at a non-lfs?
>>>
>>>I see leaves dying on the plant in my 10-gallon aquarium and
>>>I'd like to cut them off and take them out without disturbing
>>>the roots (and possibly pulling the plant up). What should I
>>>use? Would a normal pair of scissors do the job?
>>>
>>>Thanks,
>>
>>Sharp scissors. I keep them next to the tank. Don't pinch plants - it
>>tends to damage tissue more than a quick snip.
>
>
> Actually, some plants call for pinching and others for cutting.
> Pinching seals the end of the stem, preventing fluids from leaking out
> and infection to enter. Cutting a stem leaves an open end. This is
> from my terrestrial gardening experience, I haven't gotten to know my
> aqua plants that well yet. But when an article tells you to pinch,
> they really mean pinch, with your fingernail and thumb. That is, of
> course, if the instructions were written by someone who knows
> something about plant care.
>
> -- Mister Gardener

Which is absolutely the same reason that I follow the pinch
principle....I think it depends on the type of stem...soft versus
hard...I cut roses/shrubs that are woody but pinch pretty much
everything else (and even roses when removing old flowers etc when the
wood is green). I very much doubt that aquatic plants are too much
different to our terrestrial ones...one word of caution would be to make
sure that the sap is not poisonous but that would apply to pinching as
well as cutting....

Gill (another gardener)

[Altum]

Mister Gardener wrote:
> On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 17:31:14 GMT, Altum >

>> Sharp scissors. I keep them next to the tank. Don't pinch plants - it
>> tends to damage tissue more than a quick snip.
>
> Actually, some plants call for pinching and others for cutting.
> Pinching seals the end of the stem, preventing fluids from leaking out
> and infection to enter. Cutting a stem leaves an open end. This is
> from my terrestrial gardening experience, I haven't gotten to know my
> aqua plants that well yet. But when an article tells you to pinch,
> they really mean pinch, with your fingernail and thumb. That is, of
> course, if the instructions were written by someone who knows
> something about plant care.

Interesting. The only terrestrial plants I really fuss over are hybrid
tea roses. Sort of the discus of the plant world. They're too woody to
pinch and I dust the cut ends with sulfur.

I've tried both pinching and cutting on aquatics and get better results
on most plants by cutting. It seems like bruised tissue is more prone
to rotting.

Swords do best with a clean cut at the base of the dying leaf. Crypts
can be pinched or cut - the petiole will rot either way. ;-) Stem
plants tend to do better if they're not bruised too much, either by a
pinch with sharp nails or a clean cut. It's best to cut about a cm
above the leaf axil where you want the plant to sprout. Grasses and
Crinum that have grown too tall and need "mowing" are too tough to
pinch. I find the cut end is least likely to rot if it's done with very
sharp scissors.

--
Put the word aquaria in the subject to reply.
Did you read the FAQ? http://faq.thekrib.com

[Mister Gardener]

On Tue, 18 Apr 2006 22:02:43 GMT, Altum >
wrote:

>Mister Gardener wrote:
>> On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 17:31:14 GMT, Altum >
>
>>> Sharp scissors. I keep them next to the tank. Don't pinch plants - it
>>> tends to damage tissue more than a quick snip.
>>
>> Actually, some plants call for pinching and others for cutting.
>> Pinching seals the end of the stem, preventing fluids from leaking out
>> and infection to enter. Cutting a stem leaves an open end. This is
>> from my terrestrial gardening experience, I haven't gotten to know my
>> aqua plants that well yet. But when an article tells you to pinch,
>> they really mean pinch, with your fingernail and thumb. That is, of
>> course, if the instructions were written by someone who knows
>> something about plant care.
>
>Interesting. The only terrestrial plants I really fuss over are hybrid
>tea roses. Sort of the discus of the plant world. They're too woody to
>pinch and I dust the cut ends with sulfur.
>
>I've tried both pinching and cutting on aquatics and get better results
>on most plants by cutting. It seems like bruised tissue is more prone
>to rotting.
>
>Swords do best with a clean cut at the base of the dying leaf. Crypts
>can be pinched or cut - the petiole will rot either way. ;-) Stem
>plants tend to do better if they're not bruised too much, either by a
>pinch with sharp nails or a clean cut. It's best to cut about a cm
>above the leaf axil where you want the plant to sprout. Grasses and
>Crinum that have grown too tall and need "mowing" are too tough to
>pinch. I find the cut end is least likely to rot if it's done with very
>sharp scissors.

And scissors are a whole lot easier to work with in the center of a
dense plant a couple of feet under water. I use scissors on my
aquatics almost exclusively.

-- Mister Gardener

[2pods]

> I was wondering how sturdy the scissors attachment is - are they well
> built, cut crisp and sharp without bending the stem, strong enough to
> cut a woody stem - more info please.
>
> -- Mister Gardener

I find the scissor attatchment to be far to flimsy.
Best off with real scissors
YMMV of course :-)

Peter