Floating Ring(s) for Floating Plants?

[d6veteran]

I've got two types of floating plants in my tank (one was a volunteer that came with the other).

I love them, and they are growing quick, but I'd like to coral them a bit.  I have high flow and if I could keep them in 2 clumps it would help with feeding and just generally more pleasant visually.

Before I DiY I wanted to see if anyone has a design they found works best or even an off the shelf product.

Thanks.

[Solidus1833]

While I don't use them, I think what they are is 'feeding rings' ? I could be wrong though. 

https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Square-Aquarium-Feeder-Floating/dp/B00UF0HTCM

there are tons of DIY vids also

[d6veteran]

Oh interesting.  Meant to keep plants out, but could be used to keep a small bit of plants in ... and those would keep the plants in one place.  Thanks for the idea!

[d6veteran]

I just tried a quick solution in the meantime.  We shall see how it goes ...

• Airline tubing cut to about 6 inches
• Cut some scrap tubing to insert both open ends around to secure a ring
• Heat over stove (just to soften, not to melt) to shape
• Float!
• Plan to dispose of extra growth over ring

Edited March 23, 2021 by d6veteran

[Betsy]

Bendy straws work great in a pinch, too!  Less elegant, for sure...but definitely not less effective!

Your airline tubing idea would look a lot nicer! 😂

Edited March 24, 2021 by Betsy

[Anita]

4 hours ago, d6veteran said:

I just tried a quick solution in the meantime.  We shall see how it goes ...

• Airline tubing cut to about 6 inches
• Cut some scrap tubing to insert both open ends around to secure a ring
• Heat over stove (just to soften, not to melt) to shape
• Float!
• Plan to dispose of extra growth over ring

You can also use a straight connector to join the two tubing ends, https://www.aquariumcoop.com/products/5-pack-straight-airline-connector.

 

[Anita]

3 hours ago, Betsy said:

Bendy straws work great in a pinch, too!  Less elegant, for sure...but definitely not less effective!

Your airline tubing idea would look a lot nicer! 😂

I like using clear bendy straws. 😎

[Jungle Fan]

15 hours ago, d6veteran said:

I just tried a quick solution in the meantime.  We shall see how it goes ...

• Airline tubing cut to about 6 inches
• Cut some scrap tubing to insert both open ends around to secure a ring
• Heat over stove (just to soften, not to melt) to shape
• Float!
• Plan to dispose of extra growth over ring

Running hot water over it for a short time will usually do the trick to soften tubing.

[d6veteran]

That is a good idea Jungle Fan.

[MDoc]

@Betsy@Anita

I use bendy straws in a tank or two of mine too.  I'm just super posh like that. 😅

I remember when I upgraded to airline tubing in my other tanks I felt so sophisticated.  

[Jungle Fan]

@d6veteranjust an old trick that works on all kinds of tubing from air, CO2, to filter tubing. Another one in regards to tubing and pipes is that to remove tubes from PVC, glass, or stainless steel pipes you first push the tube up just a tiny bit, it loosens it, you'll feel a slight pop, and you can then pull them off easily. I know it's counter-intuitive but it works.

PS: ORD otherwise I would've clicked Thanks.

Edited March 24, 2021 by Jungle Fan
PS

[Maggie]

I use silicone straws (found at grocery store), held together with airline tubing.

[d6veteran]

@Jungle Fan ha!  I just tried that out and it works!  I have been having trouble with my tubing to the sink (I hook it up to an old water pump to refill the tank, as well as run from the bucket to the sink when vacuuming) and sometimes I've cut the tube to get it off.  Good trick!

[Nana Finopolis]

I just used the black AQ airline tubing with a straight connector. Works great! You just have to round up the ones that escape, lol.

Edited March 29, 2021 by Nana Finopolis

[Dwayne Brown]

I have seen people on youtube take clear plastic cut it and tape long strips together in a circle. If you have a sponge filter or airstone that would do the trick I have one in the center of my tank and the ripples keep the plants on either end

[MaeDae871]

I am going to try one of my kids' glow stick necklaces..  They're pretty bendy, and will glow under my light that I have on my 29 gallon when I change it to the 'sleep' setting.  We'll see how it does.

[Odd Duck]

I’ve switched to using double diameter silicone tubing (compared to airline tubing) and end to end fittings to go with it.  It corrals the floaters much better and limits the surface turbulence much better.  Amazon has it (3/8” silicone tubing) for a decent price.

You can see it from the underside in this pic.  I had the suction cup a little low in this pic.  I cut up a regular square feeding ring for the suction cup and hinged part.  Usually I just loop it around a wire - heater cord or temp sensor to keep floaters in, or around the airline for a sponge filter to keep the floaters out.

 

 

Edited April 1, 2021 by Odd Duck