Brass coloured thumb tacks OK in tank?

**Kodgeman** · 10-26-2011, 02:55 AM

I have a big piece of wood in my tank, attached to slate so it isn't moveable. I want to get some more plants growing along it (e.g. java fern, others if I can figure out what might work). It would be pretty much impossible to tie them on with the wood in the tank.

Would there be any issues with using thumb tacks to fix plants until they attach themselves? (The brass coloured kind, not sure what they are actually made of) - in terms of affecting water (leaching) is what I am thinking.

Thanks!

**Lady Hobbs** · 10-26-2011, 05:05 AM

Can't you drop the water level low enough to get the plants tied to the wood?

**Trillianne** · 10-26-2011, 05:34 AM

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. If it did leech that's what it would be leeching. Copper is bad for inverts.

Fishing line or a rubber band would work well (I've used both in the past). However natural hemp cord (like for making beadwork necklaces) will be eaten by your fish... so that's not so good.

Other people have reported using plain cotton thread as well.

Also.. pretty much impossible... is not actually impossible! Where there is a will there's a way!

**Kodgeman** · 10-26-2011, 04:55 PM

I've used fishing line at the top of the wood and to attach plants to stones in other areas of the tank. My hands are too big and the wood too wide and close to the back of the tank in the lower area where I want to add plants. Lesson in planning for me.

Perhaps I'll look at those u-shaped staples/nails (stainless steel) - the wood is hard but I should be able to push them in enough to hold.

**dbosman** · 10-26-2011, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by Kodgeman

Would there be any issues with using thumb tacks to fix plants until they attach themselves? (The brass coloured kind, not sure what they are actually made of) - in terms of affecting water (leaching) is what I am thinking.
Thanks!

Unless they say plated, on the package, they are painted steel of some sort and will rust. That's not a bad thing, until you scrape your hand across one, cleaning the wood some day.

Gel type super glue (any brand) will work underwater. Glue rhizomes or bits of moss to the wood. Water will actually speed the curing so don't squeeze the tube until you have the plant next to the wood, then Squeeze, stick, wait a few seconds. Done. If the glue dab is large a rhizome may curl around as it grows.

**Scrup** · 10-26-2011, 10:12 PM

I've used twist ties as well. They seem to hold up pretty good.

**Kodgeman** · 10-27-2011, 02:26 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. I searched the forum for the gel type super glues and found some threads - looks like the best option for my situation. Didn't realise you could use a particular glue type in the tank.
Cheers
K