How to plant freshwater plants in fish tank?
Leave everything on them, especially the metal rings, they are weights, the plants will separate and float to the surface otherwise. Just bury the bottom part in your gravel or sand, and yes the roots can grow through the sponge and adjust. Do not cut the bottoms, if you do they will probably die, as you would be cutting off all of their roots and probably shock them. I use Jungle brand plant food tabs, 24 tablets come in a box, and they last a while, you bury them under your sand or gravel near plants and they provide plant food. I do not recommend using liquid plant food, I tried it in the past and it REALLY discolored my tank bad. The tablets do not do that at all, and so far my plants are doing great! Also be sure to leave your light on around 8 hours a day, the plants will get plenty of light-and this seems to be a good time frame so that the tank does not get too much light and promote algae growth.
