Planted tanks and severums

[Aeonflame]

Ive read almost everywhere that severums will destroy most plants. Since I didn't have any experience with them till I got 4 one inchers a couple months ago I'd like to hear your opinions on the matter. I plan on eventually moving them to a 150 gallon that I've already bought, along with my clown loaches who also haven't been very kind to my plants.

Ive never seen the baby sevs attacking my plants.. but I'm afraid its only a matter of time till they do. How long do you think I have?

[rich311k]

I had one that did fine for a while but once she hit 6 inches or so the plants started suffering badly. After I found her a new home the plants have come back nicely. Java ferns and anubia could very be all right with them.

[Northernguy]

That depends souly on the fish.lol
I have a 4-5" gold sev that loves to play tug-of-war with some silk plants.
Some will some won't.You may get lucky with yours.
My Oscars love to wrestle with the fake plants as well.lol

[Wild Turkey]

IME they will eat live plants, even seen them eat green hair algae

[Irish2539]

Depends on the severum really... i kept my 6" one with giant Vall, Anacharis and Java fern and he never touched the stuff. I did feed him veggis and fruit so maybe thats why...?

[Aeonflame]

Hmm.. that means I will have to set up the sump for the 150 a bit sooner than I hoped. I really really wanted to plant it, but I guess I wont be able to. I dont have access to java fern or anubias here and the little that I have in my planted tank grows way too slowly.

I really dont like fake plants so I guess its just going to have to decorate with driftwood and such. Anyone have photos of their severum tanks they'd like to share?

[Lady Hobbs]

I would try some tough, heavily rooted plants like swords and lay some rocks around the base of them to hold them in place. rich311k also had a good idea of just attaching a bunch of java ferns to wood. One of my parrots is a big digger but the others aren't. Depends on how much they like to decorate. :)