Hey MJ; I was wondering what shelf you have behind you? I prefer smaller tanks (I keep shrimp and snail tanks) and your shelf seems to be able to support the weight which is my biggest concern for my precious babies. I wouldn’t want it to break under the weight one day while I’m out. Thanks!
This has got to be your most informative video yet! I think you've found where you shine when it comes to the aquarium hobby: plant keeping and propagation! I definitely learned a lot here. Too often I find myself arbitrarily going through and just cutting things that look bad without knowing how exactly it will affect the plants production.
Finally, the lesson that I need. Was trimming my 2 months aquascape and yeah, moss part is something else Thanks for the tips and cant wait to see more tips😊
Well, this video came out at the perfect time! I have a three month old planted tank, and I know I need to trim everything, but I was worried about how to do it. I'm especially glad you talked about stem plants because mine are already breaking the surface, but there are lots of gaps and I would love for everything to fill in and look lush. I didn't know I could trim them so short, and I didn't know they would grow back with two branches. Thank you for explaining this. I have gone back over some of your older videos for help with other issues, and you have been a great help.
Dwarf Saggitaria. When you trim it, the remaining leaf blade will melt. So you can't really have a trimmed carpet of dwarf sag. Something I've experienced in my own tank.
MJ, I have Ludwigia Super Red in my 20 gal (75 L) tank and only get the nice red leaves when it gets closer to the surface. Using a Fluval 3.0 light, just don’t feel I can turn it up too much without setting the algae off. How do you recommend I go about getting more of the nice red leaves closer to the substrate? Should I snip off the tops and replace everything like you mentioned in this video?
I have a very deep tank where itis very hard to trim close to the bottom. I need scissors with and long (~30inches) adjustable handle. Where can I get one? Thanks for a great video
Where would you categories Echinodorus Bolivianus? Carpet plant as well? Is that something I should be trimming as well or do I just let it do its thing?
I love watching your video's. I need a bit of advise. I am in the proces of starting my own tank. just filled up with plants a week ago. And my crypt parva is turning yellow maybe a nitro deficiency? and my Anubias is showing holes in the leaves. maybe pottasium deficiency? But i also have some red root floaters (not to many) and they are growing nicely, lots of new leaves. If they are growing it means there is nutricien right? i added profito from easylife. this has no nitro and phosphate. There are no vis yet, so maybe it is a nitro/phosfate deficiency? the lights are running low and short during this start up fase. Am i doing any thing wrong or am i impatient :P any tips wil be appreciated. Greetings from Noord Holland Medemblik,
Heey, I was wondering if you have more tips for trimming bulb plants, especially how to keep them compact. I bought a Thai lotus bulb online with a couple of leaves. At first the new leaves were quite compact but they already started growing upwards. Now all new leaves have enormous stems going all the way to the surface forming lillypads. I don't mind a few lilly pads but I would really prefer the compact look. However, I'm afraid to trim of all the leaves as the newest leaves are already getting smaller indicating that the plant is loosing reserves instead of gaining them. Is there anything triming related that I can do to keep it more compact? Or could it be that the light intensity is simply not high enough to keep the plant compact? I imagine that could be the case, but I already have insane troubles with algea eventhough the I drasticly reduced exposure so I'm really scared to cranck it back up.
Awsome video and good explanation! I like your videos and learn alot about it. A question i have is: do you also change your lean fertilizer method routine afther trimming, for a week or so? because i heard some people are doing that because the plants have a shock afther trimming.
Ugly Leaves Matter! ULM 😂😂😂😂 J/K … that was the very best explanation I have ever seen on trimming plants! I have yet to build my first aqua scape, but getting more educated first.
I've been watching your videos now for a few months, and I have to say, you make some of the best videos out there. I like the music, the content and the way you give it over. Thank you for all your hard work in making these videos, they are much appreciated!
Great video (as always) and super helpful! in regards to stem plants, should they be planted individually or is it ok to bunch a few together with a lead weight and plant like that? Thank you!
With the stem plants you mentioned doing it over and over until not good growth/deficiency. How do you start over? New plant? How could you get this plant to reproduce naturally so you can start the process yourself w/o buying new?
This was really helpful, I guess I’ve always struggled with when to trim my plants in fear that I would harm them. Most of my tanks have a carpeting plant (hair grass) and after a trim it tends to yellow at the tips figured it was a reason to not trim but now I’m thinking it’s normal
Another enjoyable and informative video... would love a little more depth on Transitioning Plants from Emersed to Submersed .. having a struggle there..
Great video as allways, just question about maitenence of aquario neo inlet and outlet, is it posible to clean it in bleech like standard glass. Thanx and all the best to you..
Question: what carpeting plant would you recommend for a low tech tank and a beginner hobbyist? And, how much of it would you plant to get it going? I live in U.S. and am thinking it may be best to purchase online and have it delivered. Thoughts or recommendations for a great business to purchase from? Thank you for all the time/energy you put into your work and sharing it! You bring a lot of beauty.
My tank has been set up for 6 weeks. I was wondering when I could snip my plants. Your videos are informative and to the point. Keep up the great work and I love your aquascaping talent!
Bravo mark, very useful video, there are many videos on this topic, but few explain how to prune correctly, another interesting topic could be on how to fix epiphytic plants on wood or rocks, how to tie moss correctly or how to fix other epiphytic plants, what materials to use and above all how to proceed...hello and thank you!
That is very difficult. There will always be some substrate attached to the roots. Just shake it gently to remove as much as possible, and do a water change after that.
There is rarely any need for uprooting. Just trim as close to the substrate as possible, the remainder will decompose soon without any down sides. If you really have to take out an entire plant, pls do it veeery slowly and conduct heavy water changes immediately afterwards.
Hi Tom I am obviously not Mark but I am growing a mixture of Marsilea and dwarf hair grass. I have mowed it several times like you would do with Cuba or Glosso. It always came back quite nicely with no problems.
Wonderful video! Ideally, how far apart should we plant our stem plants in a no CO2 medium to high medium light set up? I understand they should be further apart in this situation and am wondering what your recommendations are Also, this was the best video I've ever seen on this subject! Your teaching method actually makes it all make sense to me. Very good job! Thank you so much!! ☺️☺️☺️
It doesn't really matter how far apart you plant them. I guess it depends on how big of an area you want to plant, and the amount of stems you have available. Just go with what feels right to you, and I'm sure it will work out 😊
Hi James, the reason for premature dropping off of lower leaves or for leaves that soon become ugly typically is low phosphate levels. Careful when dosing PO4, plants don't need much, aim for constant levels.
There's no trimming Jungle Vals I'm guessing, I cut the tops off sometimes just to make them more manageable and let some light through but I get some die off at the tips later on which looks horrible anyone got any tips for them?
When I trimmed my hair grass for the first time since I planted it, it happened that the hair grass turned into a brown colour in to the tip like it was dying. 😢😢
The issues I have with stem plants is after a while there is no leaves on the bottom of the stem but tons of roots which make it ugly. How do you fix this?
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Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis parvula)
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Hey MJ; I was wondering what shelf you have behind you? I prefer smaller tanks (I keep shrimp and snail tanks) and your shelf seems to be able to support the weight which is my biggest concern for my precious babies. I wouldn’t want it to break under the weight one day while I’m out. Thanks!
the knowledge you have shared to us is unmeasurable. i hope you keep aquascaping as long as you live.
Immeasurable is the word you were looking for btw
I hope he keeps aquascaping as long as I live :D
it is measurable tho he gave advice on 6 different types of plants :)
The first time trimming my Monte Carlo I was so shaky that I pulled out three plants. Resting my arm on the glass helped a lot, stupid in hindsight :D
This has got to be your most informative video yet! I think you've found where you shine when it comes to the aquarium hobby: plant keeping and propagation! I definitely learned a lot here. Too often I find myself arbitrarily going through and just cutting things that look bad without knowing how exactly it will affect the plants production.
Finally, the lesson that I need. Was trimming my 2 months aquascape and yeah, moss part is something else
Thanks for the tips and cant wait to see more tips😊
Well, this video came out at the perfect time! I have a three month old planted tank, and I know I need to trim everything, but I was worried about how to do it. I'm especially glad you talked about stem plants because mine are already breaking the surface, but there are lots of gaps and I would love for everything to fill in and look lush. I didn't know I could trim them so short, and I didn't know they would grow back with two branches. Thank you for explaining this. I have gone back over some of your older videos for help with other issues, and you have been a great help.
Cutting floating plant roots?
cutting/trimming vallisnaria or cyperus leaf, dont cutting straight..cut the leaves diagonally
Great tip!
Dwarf Saggitaria. When you trim it, the remaining leaf blade will melt. So you can't really have a trimmed carpet of dwarf sag. Something I've experienced in my own tank.
Propagation!
Great explanation on how to trim that creates beautiful bushes! I've been looking for a video like this, Thank you MJ...😁
Thank you, I appreciate your video. So clearly explained.
thanks for sharing your knowledge. good job. salute!
MJ, I have Ludwigia Super Red in my 20 gal (75 L) tank and only get the nice red leaves when it gets closer to the surface. Using a Fluval 3.0 light, just don’t feel I can turn it up too much without setting the algae off. How do you recommend I go about getting more of the nice red leaves closer to the substrate? Should I snip off the tops and replace everything like you mentioned in this video?
I have a very deep tank where itis very hard to trim close to the bottom. I need scissors with and long (~30inches) adjustable handle. Where can I get one? Thanks for a great video
Anyone know why my trimmed stem plants DON'T bifurcate? Only one new stem grows, every time
Where would you categories Echinodorus Bolivianus? Carpet plant as well? Is that something I should be trimming as well or do I just let it do its thing?
I love watching your video's. I need a bit of advise. I am in the proces of starting my own tank. just filled up with plants a week ago. And my crypt parva is turning yellow maybe a nitro deficiency? and my Anubias is showing holes in the leaves. maybe pottasium deficiency? But i also have some red root floaters (not to many) and they are growing nicely, lots of new leaves. If they are growing it means there is nutricien right? i added profito from easylife. this has no nitro and phosphate. There are no vis yet, so maybe it is a nitro/phosfate deficiency? the lights are running low and short during this start up fase. Am i doing any thing wrong or am i impatient :P any tips wil be appreciated. Greetings from Noord Holland Medemblik,
Heey, I was wondering if you have more tips for trimming bulb plants, especially how to keep them compact. I bought a Thai lotus bulb online with a couple of leaves. At first the new leaves were quite compact but they already started growing upwards. Now all new leaves have enormous stems going all the way to the surface forming lillypads. I don't mind a few lilly pads but I would really prefer the compact look. However, I'm afraid to trim of all the leaves as the newest leaves are already getting smaller indicating that the plant is loosing reserves instead of gaining them.
Is there anything triming related that I can do to keep it more compact? Or could it be that the light intensity is simply not high enough to keep the plant compact? I imagine that could be the case, but I already have insane troubles with algea eventhough the I drasticly reduced exposure so I'm really scared to cranck it back up.
how do you feel about quarantine fish before adding them to a tank? and how long would u quarantine them. p.s. have enjoyed your videos
Love ur videos. Btw your shirt looks like pajamas
Thank i was wondering how to trim stem plants my stem plant has overgrown so much i needed some guide :P. thanks for the video
When do you start trimming with a new tank? Did a darkstart for 6 weeks, it’s now planted. How long do I wait?
Where did you get your shelf in your background from? I really love this. And also your video 😊
here you go! www.leenbakker.nl/kasten/boekenkasten/wandmeubel-kyan-zwart-naturel-180x120x40-cm
@@MJAquascaping Thank you so much!
Awsome video and good explanation! I like your videos and learn alot about it. A question i have is: do you also change your lean fertilizer method routine afther trimming, for a week or so? because i heard some people are doing that because the plants have a shock afther trimming.
In the video you have the bucephalandras floating around after you trim them. How do you reattach them to the rocks?
Just wedge them in the cracks or use some gel type super glue 😊
The amount of times as a beginner I would purposely rip up every plant just to trim and replant lol…
Ugly Leaves Matter! ULM 😂😂😂😂 J/K … that was the very best explanation I have ever seen on trimming plants! I have yet to build my first aqua scape, but getting more educated first.
how about the lighting, schedule of it and how much lumens needed to have a stunning plants?
Bookmarking it now. Thanks for sharing!!!
This video came out at a perfect timing. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Great informative video. I have watched many trimming videos in RUclips, but Yours is very well arranged. Algea series of yours is also well arranged.
Great video, MJ! This is perfect guidance
Well explained bro. Thank you
This is a great video I'm always worried about trimming my carpeting plants.
Will it be a problem is all the leaves are cut off and only leave the stalk?
I wish this video was out last year. It would have saved a lot of stress and research time when trimming my plants. Great information!
This is a very informative video. Thank you MJ.
I've been watching your videos now for a few months, and I have to say, you make some of the best videos out there. I like the music, the content and the way you give it over. Thank you for all your hard work in making these videos, they are much appreciated!
Amazing thank you.
Great video (as always) and super helpful! in regards to stem plants, should they be planted individually or is it ok to bunch a few together with a lead weight and plant like that? Thank you!
You can definitely bunch them together!
With the stem plants you mentioned doing it over and over until not good growth/deficiency. How do you start over? New plant? How could you get this plant to reproduce naturally so you can start the process yourself w/o buying new?
First do one final trimming session
Save the healthy tops
Remove the old stems and roots
Replant the healthy tops
This was really helpful, I guess I’ve always struggled with when to trim my plants in fear that I would harm them. Most of my tanks have a carpeting plant (hair grass) and after a trim it tends to yellow at the tips figured it was a reason to not trim but now I’m thinking it’s normal
Yeah this is normal
Ow thank you I was relief with this 😁✌️
Thank u MJ
Another enjoyable and informative video... would love a little more depth on Transitioning Plants from Emersed to Submersed .. having a struggle there..
Noted!
Great video as allways, just question about maitenence of aquario neo inlet and outlet, is it posible to clean it in bleech like standard glass. Thanx and all the best to you..
Yeah you can clean them with bleach 👍
Hi Iam an old lady beginner and I follow your videos for a while now, will you please give me the name of the small vacuum please 🥰
That’s the dennerle scapers flow 😊
Nice tips. And for floating plants just scoope out if there are too many.
Exactly!
Which brand does have good quality scissors?
Dennerle, Tropica, JBL and ADA of course, but very expensive
Many thanks!
Chop and prop)
Hey
Aren't you going to try more vs things lately?
Kind of stopped with that because of lack of inspiration for new experiments
Question: what carpeting plant would you recommend for a low tech tank and a beginner hobbyist? And, how much of it would you plant to get it going? I live in U.S. and am thinking it may be best to purchase online and have it delivered. Thoughts or recommendations for a great business to purchase from? Thank you for all the time/energy you put into your work and sharing it! You bring a lot of beauty.
👍👍👍😍😍😍
😍😍😍👍👍👍
Is it ok to trim stems so low that the stem doesn’t have anymore leaves?
Yeah that’s fine 😊👍🏻
Wow what a coincidence i was planning on trimming my Eleocharis and some ludiwgias thanks for the video 👍🏻😊
Thanks for the great guide. Where would plants like Blyxa Japonica fit into this?
Excellent video. You are so knowledgeable and teach so well.
Will be rescaping my tank soon and adding soil and planting things properly and This is an awsome helpful vid. Prob best on plants on YT.
Hey what's the big stand behind you with the multi levels and tanks? Would love to grab one for my fishroom
I'd love a quick video on how you do your water changes and the equipment you use in a bit more detail. I need a better way of doing it.
My tank has been set up for 6 weeks. I was wondering when I could snip my plants. Your videos are informative and to the point. Keep up the great work and I love your aquascaping talent!
how about emersed stem plant when first trim? IME cut as low as possible cause them to stunted and smaller new growth
Bravo mark, very useful video, there are many videos on this topic, but few explain how to prune correctly, another interesting topic could be on how to fix epiphytic plants on wood or rocks, how to tie moss correctly or how to fix other epiphytic plants, what materials to use and above all how to proceed...hello and thank you!
I trimmed my crips, didn't leave any leaf, they all regrew and they look better now
Hi MJ! could we get a update on the twinstar algae controller experiment? or did i miss a video where the experiment was complete?
Great explicit information! On a new low tech tank set up, how soon would it be advisable to start trimming stem plants?
nice refresh thx for the vid :D always something to learn from your vids :D
How do you have so few views? The most informative, to the point video about this I could find
Please create a video about how you maintain your all aquascapes
This was extremely helpful as I’m getting ready to start the dark start on my first tank, thanks Mark!
Great timing on this video! I need to do my second trimming & fix the 1st trimming mistakes lol. Thank you MJ!
your illustrations were so helpful! really well thought out. you’re a good educator!
This is the video I was waiting for, very helpful thank you 😊
thank you for the great video! very well presented and very informative!
Extremely helpful…
Thanks 👍
Good information as usual MJ just getting ready to do my first trim and this video has helped immensely. Later brother
Super informative and detailed video, thank you
For real you should be a teacher. Ur explanations are soo good
This is very helpful, thank you!
Great video! Thank you!
Excellent topic rarely discussed!
It was very useful. Thank you :)
Very helpful MJ. Thanks
it's very instrasting, super clean.👌
How do you not uproot substrate when pulling out old stems
That is very difficult. There will always be some substrate attached to the roots. Just shake it gently to remove as much as possible, and do a water change after that.
There is rarely any need for uprooting. Just trim as close to the substrate as possible, the remainder will decompose soon without any down sides. If you really have to take out an entire plant, pls do it veeery slowly and conduct heavy water changes immediately afterwards.
thank you for this helpful video!
Hi Mark any tips on trimming marsilea, great post.
Hi Tom I am obviously not Mark but I am growing a mixture of Marsilea and dwarf hair grass. I have mowed it several times like you would do with Cuba or Glosso. It always came back quite nicely with no problems.
@@detlefh.7090 thanks as pruning individual leaves is a painful process. I will give it a try
Love this video thanks for the tips!
Wonderful video! Ideally, how far apart should we plant our stem plants in a no CO2 medium to high medium light set up? I understand they should be further apart in this situation and am wondering what your recommendations are
Also, this was the best video I've ever seen on this subject! Your teaching method actually makes it all make sense to me. Very good job! Thank you so much!! ☺️☺️☺️
It doesn't really matter how far apart you plant them. I guess it depends on how big of an area you want to plant, and the amount of stems you have available. Just go with what feels right to you, and I'm sure it will work out 😊
Very informative video. Been struggling with my stem plants, always losing leaves on lower parts? Any tips? Thank you!
Hi James,
the reason for premature dropping off of lower leaves or for leaves that soon become ugly typically is low phosphate levels. Careful when dosing PO4, plants don't need much, aim for constant levels.
You are doing great job Mate.
Do you use chemical media i.e purogen or na carbon in your planted aquariums?
I use it only when I have some issues with water clarity, which rarely happens
This video needs more views
There's no trimming Jungle Vals I'm guessing, I cut the tops off sometimes just to make them more manageable and let some light through but I get some die off at the tips later on which looks horrible anyone got any tips for them?
Vallisneria is a rosette plant. Cut the unwanted leaf as close to the bottom as possible.
Great trimming tips
When I trimmed my hair grass for the first time since I planted it, it happened that the hair grass turned into a brown colour in to the tip like it was dying. 😢😢
That's quite normal with hairgrass
The issues I have with stem plants is after a while there is no leaves on the bottom of the stem but tons of roots which make it ugly. How do you fix this?
When that happens I would remove the bottom and replant the nice looking tops. Could also be that you need a stronger light
Video came at a good time!
I always learn something new. Thanks for this video MJ
My pleasure!