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Is it safe for fish, plants, and invertebrates (e.g., shrimps) to use lead strips to weigh down my plants?

I have a Biorb fish tank that is doing very well: 7 whitecloud minnows, 3 Japonic algae shrimp, and lots of aquatic plants (elodea, moss balls, swords, sprite, etc)…however, because of the large ceramic media, it’s very difficult (and frustrating) to keep my plants anchored to the bottom.

Every day or so, I have to go back in there to re-anchor the plants between the gravel.

I have read conflicting testimonials as to whether or not the lead strips that come with my plants to keep them bunched together at the aquarium supply stores are safe for long-term use in an aquarium. I don’t want to negatively impact the environment for the fish or the shrimp…

I could use some good advice.

Thanks.
I have a Biorb fish tank that is doing very well: 7 whitecloud minnows, 3 Japonic algae shrimp, and lots of aquatic plants (elodea, moss balls, swords, sprite, etc)…however, because of the large ceramic media, it’s very difficult (and frustrating) to keep my plants anchored to the bottom.

Every day or so, I have to go back in there to re-anchor the plants between the gravel.

I have read conflicting testimonials as to whether or not the lead strips that come with my plants to keep them bunched together at the aquarium supply stores are safe for long-term use in an aquarium. I don’t want to negatively impact the environment for the fish or the shrimp…

I could use some good advice.

Thanks.

EDIT: I’ve also sound this: http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCatalog/ctl3684/cp18481/si1382132/cl1/penn_plax_plant_anchors?&query=plant+anchors&queryType=0&offset=

Safe, non-toxic “soft lead” plant anchors–which seem to be what are used to most fish supply stores as well.

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6 Responses to “Is it safe for fish, plants, and invertebrates (e.g., shrimps) to use lead strips to weigh down my plants?”

  1. Nerd says:

    Would you like it.. if someone was using lead paint(which is illegal btw).. in your home.. or food source?

    Think about that.. and answer this one yourself.. common sense my friend! *smiles*

    Nerd
    Aquariums and Ponds of Hawaii

  2. Courtney =] says:

    lead = very bad for your tank.

  3. BIGgourami says:

    lead is inert enough so that it won’t corrode or interact with he water enough to cause any lead poisoning…

    it’d be safe enough, but there are still better things to tie plants down with..

    which ones are giving you trouble?

  4. nosoop4u246 says:

    First of all, the chances of it being real lead are slim to none. If is more likely a far cheaper metal like zinc, and regardless, totally insoluble in water. They are VERY safe and should not even be perceived as threats to your aquatic life.

  5. Dollop Of Daisy says:

    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
    have you ever heard of lead pollution that’s in the ocean?!? it’s the same in tanks

  6. Alex W says:

    The lead strips that come with plants aren’t bad for the fish and tank but they tend to erode the base of stem plants rather quickly. But other than that, there is no problem within the tank.

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