Excavating Huge Echin issues

[michael lai]

Hi Folks,
I have a huge Echin major in my 4 footer, due to the 'winds of change' I've decided to remove this monstrosity from my tank. This plant is like (H)2 1/2 foot and span 2 feet. I read some of you guys cut the roots to remove it. Can you guys share some of your experiences on the removal and will cutting the roots harm it? Before I turn my tank into 'Hiroshima'.

[hwchoy]

I suggest you drain as much water as possible. then get ready a good shear, and as you try to lift the plant you cut around the base in the gravel. you will have to leave the roots behind, just lift the leaf base where the growing apex is. then cover the hole with new gravel.

[Simon]

your plant could probably spread its root system through out the entire tank, so removing it will be rather time consuming. Easier way is to dig out as much roots possible and cut. the rest have to be removed indivdually ;P.. enjoy

[Weirong]

I did this before! The roots were almost as long as the plant itself! Feels like uprooting a tree...

[benny]

It was "hiroshima" when I removed my Echinodorus ozelot from my tank. A major disaster that I'm still recovering from after years.....

Tip. After cutting around the plant, turn the plant a few rounds, cut around the plants again, then attempt to pull out. Immediate water change there after to tackle the leeching base fertiliser. Expect algae bloom shortly after if not managed properly.

Good luck!

Cheers,

[ranmasatome]

Mike.. take a scissors.. then dig it into the substrate around the plant.. say..2-3 cm away then begin to cut at the substrate like how a "muah Chee" seller would. Go in a circumference all around the plant..then repeat about 3-4 times. After that..uproot slowly..shaking and watching top soil movement.. once the top portion of the base is up you can just cut away all remaining roots.

[CK Yeo]

Can cut like the others suggested.
Or turn the plant round and round like you would when eating sphagetti. This will gather the roots at the crown of the plant. Can use forceps/scissors etc to help. Then pull out. Damage will be limited to small area.
Doesn't work if the Echi have long long rizhome though.

ck

[michael lai]

Thank you gentlemen for all your words of wisdom, I have decided to put off project, Tora, Tora, Tora after the new year. But I still foresee hiroshima because yesterday I pull a little, my huge 2 feet drift wood also moved. Which means the root of evil runs deep. Btw, anyone care to adopt a Echin

[ccs]

Thank you gentlemen for all your words of wisdom, I have decided to put off project, Tora, Tora, Tora after the new year. But I still foresee hiroshima because yesterday I pull a little, my huge 2 feet drift wood also moved. Which means the root of evil runs deep. Btw, anyone care to adopt a Echin

Hey michael what kind enchinodorus is it?

[ranmasatome]

its a monster!!!!!!!!lol...but a REALLY nice one..

[juggler]

Mike.. take a scissors.. then dig it into the substrate around the plant.. say..2-3 cm away then begin to cut at the substrate like how a "muah Chee" seller would. Go in a circumference all around the plant..then repeat about 3-4 times. After that..uproot slowly..shaking and watching top soil movement.. once the top portion of the base is up you can just cut away all remaining roots.

I tried something like that. But did not cut the roots first. I used my fingers to break the roots as I go round the circumference. The leftover roots I leave it in the substrate as nutrients for new plants.

[michael lai]

Dear CCS,
It's a Echin. Major.