Protocol for Newly Aquired Plants

Cmmc23

Hi all, I was wondering what your suggestions were for newly aquired "bundled" plants, I just bought some baby tears from my LFS. My main question is do I keep the weighted twist tie on them or do I take it off the plants once I have them where I want them in my tank? I have them on there for now, it seems much easier to handle the plants that way but will the twist tie seemingly made of some sort of metal mess with my water parameters or plant/fish health?

Also is it normal for my fish to be soooo interested in the new greens? They have all tasted, touched and played around the plants. It is very cute to watch them inspect the plants, I think they really like them!

Thanks in advance for your expert opinions!!

sik80

Take the weighted ties off and separate out the individual plants from the tied bundle, then plant the individual plants into the substrate. This can take a bit of practice and they quite often become dislodged and float off. I find the best way to plant is with finger and thumb and push the plant a bit further into the substrate than you want it, but then pull it upwards a little; this seems to set the roots right.