Freshwater Aquarium Plants Archives

Planted Tank Substrates – 4 Choices To Consider

A planted tank has several important benefits and advantages over a tank with no live plants at all. One important choice you’ll need to make is the type of substrate to hold those plants. There are varying opinions on which is the best planted aquarium substrate for a freshwater aquarium. Discover what some of the basic choices are and which substrates are best for a thriving planted tank.

In the home aquarium, live plants provide a variety of benefits beyond simply increasing the aesthetic appeal of your planted tank. In addition to boosting the oxygen content for your fish, live aquarium plants also provide your fish with a place to hide. Live plants may also help to control algae in your tank because they will be competing for the same nutrients. If you choose to cultivate a planted tank you should be aware that it will take a little more effort than simply stocking your tank with plastic plants. Not only do you need to provide adequate lighting and water circulation for your plants to thrive, but you also need to use an aquarium substrate formulated for planted tanks in order to ensure that your plants grow well and stay healthy. There are a variety of choices available when it comes to substrate for planted tanks – choosing among them is simply a matter of deciding which option best suits your particular tank.

Types of Aquarium Substrate for Planted Aquariums

Gravel – Plain, uncoated gravel can work very well in planted aquariums. Because it is inexpensive and easy to use, gravel is one of the most popular substrates for use in freshwater aquariums. The best size of gravel to use is in the one to three mm range and it should not be treated with any kind of chemicals. Treated gravel may affect water quality or contain substances toxic to aquarium fish. There are several things to consider when using gravel as a substrate in a planted tank. It is recommended that you put down a layer of peat moss or laterite under the gravel to provide nutrients for your plants. If you prefer to avoid using these substances in your tank you may choose to periodically fertilize your plants instead. Fertilizing plants is easy – simply check your local pet store for plant root fertilizer tabs and push them into the gravel near the roots of your plants. When using gravel as substrate in a planted tank, make sure the gravel is deep enough to cover the roots of your plants and to allow them space to grow. A really nice substrate for a planted aquarium would be a combination of gravel and Eco-Complete. Good choices for aquarium gravel can be found here.

Sand – Sand is another popular substrate in planted tanks because it gives the aquarium a natural look. There are many types of sand which can be used in the planted aquarium including silica sand, onyx sand and a variety of commercially-sold sands fortified with nutrients. Silica sands like play sand and pool filter sand can be used in the home aquarium but they can be dusty and do not provide plant roots with some of the nutrients they need to grow. Before using silica sand in the home aquarium, rinse it well to remove as much dust and dirt as possible. If you plan to use sand in your planted aquarium, try adding a layer of flourite or plant soil beneath the sand or find a fortified sand that will provide your plants with the nutrients they need. Also, consider using black aquarium sand as this seems to make the beautiful coloration of the fish stand out more.

Flourite – Flourite, made by Sea-Chem, is a type of porous clay gravel that is excellent for use in planted aquariums. Unlike regular gravel substrate, however, flourite is lightweight and does not compact easily. This type of substrate can be more expensive than sand and gravel but it never needs to be replaced – it should last throughout the entire life of your aquarium. Flourite can also be mixed with gravel, sand, and other types of substrate to provide your plants with healthy nutrients. If you plan to use flourite alone as the substrate in your planted tank you will only need about one pound per gallon. Flourite should be rinsed thoroughly prior to adding it to the aquarium because, though it typically doesn’t contain any chemical coating or treatment, it can be very dusty at first.

Eco-Complete – CaribSea Eco-Complete black planted aquarium substrate is a high-quality substrate specially formulated to provide plants with over 25 essential nutrients. This substrate introduces live heterotrophic bacteria into your tank to help break down waste into a substance your plants can use as food. Eco-Complete is ready to use right out of the bag – it does not need to be rinsed and it conditions your water immediately. Though somewhat more expensive than other types of substrate, Eco-Complete contains all the nutrients your plants need, so it eliminates the need for adding laterite or fertilizing your plants with root tabs. This type of substrate is available in several colors and is perfectly sized to encourage plant growth. In our opinion, the convenience of not having to rinse this substrate offsets the price. I use Eco-Complete in all of my planted tanks and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the results. Get the best price for Eco-Complete here.

How to Use a Planted Aquarium Substrate

Before putting any new substrate into your aquarium, it is a good idea to rinse it thoroughly in lukewarm water. This will help to remove any dust or foreign objects that may have gotten into the bag of substrate during the packaging process. Pour the substrate into a large plastic bucket or basin and fill it with fresh water. Rinse and drain the substrate several times until the water runs clear then carefully pour it into the bottom of your tank. Spread the substrate evenly along the bottom of the tank or mound it in certain areas where you know you will be adding plants in order to leave room for the roots. To determine how much substrate you will need for your aquarium, use these general guidelines:

• 8 pounds of silica sand per square foot of tank space for a depth of one inch
• 7 pounds of gravel per square foot of tank space for a depth of one inch
• 5 pounds of flourite per square foot of tank space for a depth of one inch

Using a nutrient-rich substrate in your aquarium is essential if you want to successfully maintain a planted tank. Because there are so many different options for aquarium substrate it is possible to choose one that best suits your needs as well as your particular tank. You may shop for aquarium substrate by price, ease of use, or quality and if you cannot decide on just one type, you can mix two or more different types together. Keep in mind that the more effort you put into cultivating a healthy planted tank, the higher your reward will be. An aquarium full of thriving plants will provide your fish with a healthy and natural environment in which to live. Healthy fish are happy fish. One way of making sure your fish stay healthy can be as simple as choosing the right substrate for your planted tank.

How To Have A Planted Tank You Can Be Proud Of

The natural beauty of a planted tank cannot be mimicked with silk or plastic aquarium plants. In this article, you’ll learn tips for selecting plants and maintaining a planted tank you can be proud of!

Artificial plants simply cannot compare to the beauty of live, thriving aquarium plants, nor can they offer the same benefits. In a freshwater aquarium, live plants boost the oxygen content, help to control algae growth and also provide fish with natural places to hide. All of these qualities are valuable, but they pale in comparison to the aesthetic benefits – the sheer natural beauty of a fully planted tank cannot be mimicked with silk or plastic aquarium plants.

Cultivating a planted tank is a very rewarding experience but it is not always easy to accomplish. Live aquarium plants have certain requirements for lighting and nutrition which must be met in order for the plants to thrive. If you hope to cultivate a planted tank that you can be proud of you will need to invest in a substrate that will nourish your plants, install lighting that will help them grow and you will also need to select the right plants for your particular tank. With a little research and preparation, all of these things are possible and you will be on your way to a beautiful planted tank.

Selecting Plants for Your Aquarium

When it comes to selecting the plants for your planted tank there are several considerations you need to make. First and foremost, however, you need to decide what type of plants you want to use. If you want your tank to be fully planted you will either need to purchase a large number of plants or start off with a few and separate them as they grow then redistribute them throughout the tank. Aquarium plants can be divided into three categories: ferns and mosses, rosettes, and stem plants.

The first category includes plants which do not flower – many of the plants in this category do not grow very tall and are typically planted near the front of the aquarium. Rosettes are ornamental flowering plants which can be used in either the home aquarium or in outdoor ponds. The final category, stem plants, includes some of the more popular species of aquarium plant like Vallisneria and Amazon Swords. In addition to these three main categories, a wide variety of floating aquarium plants is also available. Floating plants do not need to be potted in substrate, they simply float along the top of the aquarium. Some popular species of floating plant include Hornwort, Anacharis and Duckweed.

In order to give your planted tank a natural, diversified appearance select a variety of plants to start off with. Choose plants from all three categories to ensure that you have a range of height so you will be able to layer the plants in your tank. When it comes time to actually pick out your plants you may visit your local pet store or order plants online. While ordering online may be the cheaper option in some cases, you will not be able to hand-pick the plants for your aquarium.

If you are able to find a pet store that has a wide selection of aquarium plants, look for specimens that have healthy green leaves and white roots. It is normal for aquarium plants to have a minor defect or two but spongy leaves, black roots and severe damage may be signs of a snail infestation or algae problems. While aquarium plants can recover from damage it is best to start out with healthy stock. Select the tallest specimens of each species and check them for snails before introducing them into your tank. It is wise to rinse aquarium plants well and to immerse them in a salt bath for five to ten minutes to kill any lingering snail eggs or algae.

Setting Up a Planted Tank

When you first set up your planted tank it is wise to begin with as many plants as possible. To make this easier, select inexpensive fast-growing species like Hygrophila, Cabomba, Hornwort and Vallisneria. Prune all of your plants before adding them to the tank – trim away any yellow or damaged leaves and remove any soft brown roots. For rooted plants in particular it is wise to trim white roots to about 5 cm in length to prevent rotting.

Fill the bottom of your tank to a depth of two inches or so with your choice of substrate. While gravel and sand are the most popular choices for freshwater aquariums, these substrates will not provide your plants with the nutrients they need to thrive. If you do choose to use gravel or sand, lay down a one-inch layer of peat moss, laterite or plant soil first and cover it with sand or gravel. By doing this your plants will have access to some nutrient-rich substrate but you can still retain the appearance of sand or gravel.

Another good choice in substrate for a planted tank is fluorite which can be used alone or mixed with either sand or gravel. Flourite is a lightweight, porous clay gravel that provides plants with the nutrients they need to grow. One of the highest quality substrates available for planted tanks is Eco-Complete. This type of substrate is specially formulated for planted tanks and it contains both live heterotrophic bacteria and over 25 essential nutrients. Though it is one of the more expensive substrates, Eco-Complete provides a planted tank with balanced nutrition while also conditioning tank water.

After adding the substrate, fill your tank about halfway. Dig small holes into the substrate and carefully insert one plant into each hole by the roots. Rather than shoving the plant roots deeper into the substrate, simply push some of the substrate into the hole to cover the roots then gently pull the plant up, stretching the roots until the crown sits just above the surface of the substrate. Arrange the plants in your tank so that the tallest plants are toward the back and the shortest are near the front of the tank. This arrangement will not only be visually pleasing but it will also ensure that your fish have plenty of open swimming space near the front of the tank.

Planted Tank Maintenance

Once you have finished planting your tank, the plants will need a week or so to re-establish their roots and to acclimate to the tank conditions. While your plants are settling in you must carefully control the lighting and nutrients in your tank to prevent excessive algae growth. Plug your lights into a timer so they will be on for 8 to 10 hours a day. If, during this time, you still see algae growth try lowering the wattage or move the lighting further away from the water.

After the first week, establish a lighting cycle of 10 to 12 hours per day. Once your plants have re-established their roots and your tank has cycled you may add a small number of fish. Avoid overfeeding fish during this time to limit algae growth and to keep nutrient levels low. Over time, add more fish until your tank is stocked the way you like it.

Maintaining a planted tank is much like any other tank – it is important to keep up with routine water changes and to monitor water chemistry. While weekly 10% or 20% water changes may be adequate for a regular freshwater tank, planted tanks may require larger water changes – around 50% on a weekly basis. There are exceptions to every rule, however, so if your tank isn’t overstocked and you have adequate filtration in place you may be able to get by with smaller water changes. Water changes will serve to control the levels of nitrates and phosphates in your tank water, which will help to keep your plants healthy and strong. You may use a gravel vacuum to clean your tank, but use caution to avoid damaging plant roots as you siphon the substrate.

In addition to water changes and water tests, you will also need to prune your plants occasionally. Remove dead and damaged leaves from rooted plants and thin out floating plants so they will not block out too much light. Some fast-growing species of plants like Hygrophila need to be separated and replanted when they begin to reach the height of the water surface. Pruning your plants will not only keep your tank looking neat, but it will also result in healthier looking plants. In some stem plants, pruning results in doubling at each node and the resulting growth will be thicker and more attractive.

Exploring The Various Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Plants

Aquarium plants boost the oxygen content in the aquarium and provide hiding places for fish. In this article, you’ll learn about the various types of aquarium plants and the two most important factors for keeping them healthy.

As you gain experience in the home aquarium hobby, you will learn various tips and tricks for keeping your tank healthy. While adequate filtration and regular water changes are essential for keeping water quality in your tank high, something as simple as adding a few live plants can also help you achieve this goal. Live aquarium plants are relatively easy to care for and they can boost the oxygen content in your water while also helping to control algae growth. When it comes to aquarium plants there is a wide variety to choose from. Not only are there several different categories of aquarium plants, but there are hundreds of species in each category. Before you make the decision to add some plants to your tank, take the time to figure out what kind of plants are available and which species might grow well in your tank.

Categories of Aquarium Plants

Freshwater aquarium plants can be divided into three main categories: ferns and mosses, rosettes and stem plants. A fourth category, floating plants, is simply an alternative way of categorizing aquarium plants and this group is made up of plants belonging to these three categories. When choosing the plants for your tank, try to select plants from all four categories. This will give your tank a varied and natural appearance that both you and your fish can enjoy.

Ferns and Mosses – The plants belonging to this category are non-flowering and reproduce in the aquarium by producing spores. This category of plants includes various species of mosses, ferns and liverworts which include Java Fern, Java Moss, Water Sprite and Crystalwort. Ferns like Water Sprite form either wide or narrow leaves and grow very quickly. These plants can be propagated easily by dividing the stems or separating and replanting the plantlets that grow on the leaves of parent plants. Mosses – Java Moss or Willow Moss, in particular – are popular among breeders because they provide fry with excellent cover.

Rosettes – Belonging to this category are flowering plants that are often used ornamentally in both indoor aquariums and outdoor ponds. Some of the most popular species belonging to this category include Amazon Swords, Water Lilies and Vallisneria. Other species of rosette plants include Anubias, Sword Grass, Water Hyacinths and the Madagascar Lace Plant. Rosettes generally exhibit a shortened stem axis and are often very leafy which is what makes them popular as ornamental plants.

Stem Plants – This is the largest category of freshwater aquarium plants and it also includes some of the most well-known varieties. Included in this category are plants like Cabomba and Anacharis as well as Hornwort, which can also be used as a floating plant. Stem plants tend to grow fairly quickly and can be propagated by re-rooting cuttings that are taken during pruning. In addition to being fast-growing, many stem plants are also very hardy and can tolerate a variety of water conditions. These qualities make this category of plants very popular among novice aquarists as well as hobbyists who are just beginning to experiment with planted tanks.

Floating Plants – While most aquarium plants must be rooted in substrate in order to thrive, this category of plants includes those species which do best when floating on the aquarium surface. These plants perform the same function as other aquarium plants, increasing oxygen content and competing with algae for nutrients, but they can also provide newly hatched fry with places to hide. Some of the most popular species of floating plant include Hornwort, a slow-growing plant; Anacharis, a quick-growing plant; Water Sprite; Duckweed and Azolla. These last three species, especially Duckweed, tend to grow very quickly and can take over the aquarium if the hobbyist is not careful. In most aquariums, however, they serve as a supplemental food source for fish which helps to keep the growth rate under control.

Tips for Keeping Aquarium Plants Healthy

The two most important factors in determining the health of your aquarium plants are lighting and nutrients. In order for your plants to grow they should have between 10 and 12 hours of full-spectrum lighting per day. The type of lighting you use may depend on how many plants you have in your aquarium but, generally, it is recommended that you have between 2 and 5 watts of lighting per gallon. The “watts per gallon” rule is a general rule, however, and should not be the only determining factor when choosing lighting for a planted tank. The types of lighting recommended for tanks supporting aquarium plants include standard fluorescent, T-5 HO (high output), VHO (very high output), power compact and metal halide bulbs. When using standard fluorescent lighting, an aquarium hood is a suitable mounting fixture, but high output bulbs such as Metal Halide lights put out a significant amount of heat and should be paired with a cooling fan to avoid overheating the water in your tank.

In addition to adequate lighting, your aquarium plants will also need nutrients in order to thrive. Your plants will draw the majority of their nutrients from the substrate and from the organic waste that builds up at the bottom of the tank. Lining your tank with a substrate specially formulated to support aquarium plants is a wise choice, especially if you have a heavily planted tank. Popular types of aquarium substrate for planted tanks include fluorite, eco-complete, laterite and peat moss. Some aquarists mix one of these substrates with sand or gravel and it is also common to put down a layer of nutrient-rich substrate under a layer of gravel or sand.

If you make the effort to supply your aquarium plants with adequate lighting and nutrition they are bound to do well. To give your plants an extra boost, check your local pet store for plant root fertilizer tabs or liquid supplements that you add directly to the tank water. Along with lighting and fertilization, it is important to maintain your routine water changes and water tests to ensure that the water quality in your tank stays high. In combination with regular maintenance and upkeep, aquarium plants can help to keep your freshwater tank a healthy and beautiful environment for your fish.

Choose Wisely When Mixing Fish And Aquarium Plants

Live aquarium plants make your tank look more authentic, which is a benefit that not only adds to your enjoyment of the tank, but also makes it a more natural environment for your fish. The more your tank mimics the native habitat of your fish, the more likely …

Aquarium plants provide many benefits for your fish. Learn which fish are safe to mix with aquarium plants and which ones you’ll want to avoid.

Nothing is quite as lovely as a tank full of vibrant and healthy aquarium plants. In the home aquarium, live plants provide numerous benefits in addition to increasing the aesthetic appeal of your tank. Live plants provide natural hiding places for fish while helping to conceal in-tank equipment like submersible heaters and filter intake tubes. Because live plants are such a valuable asset in the home aquarium you should do everything you can to make sure your plants stay healthy. In addition to providing adequate lighting and nutrition, you also need to ensure that the fish with which you are stocking your tank will not uproot, damage or consume your plants.

Benefits of Live Plants in the Home Aquarium

If you have ever wandered through the aquarium supply aisle at your local pet store you have probably noticed a stark difference between the appearance of live and artificial aquarium plants. Artificial plants often appear stiff and unrealistic – even those which do not come in bright, neon colors. Live aquarium plants make your tank look more authentic, which is a benefit that not only adds to your enjoyment of the tank, but also makes it a more natural environment for your fish. The more your tank mimics the native habitat of your fish, the more likely your fish are to thrive.

The benefits of live aquarium plants versus artificial plants are not limited to aesthetics. In the home aquarium, live plants help to oxygenate the water and help to control algae growth by competing with algae for nutrients. Live plants can also play a major role in maintaining the nitrogen cycle by harboring colonies of beneficial bacteria which are necessary to break down toxins like ammonia into less harmful nitrates.

Fish That Eat Aquarium Plants

While many species of fish may occasionally nibble on aquarium plants, few species will actually eat them. In most cases, your fish are picking off bits of algae or sunken fish food from among the leaves of your plants – they are not eating the plants themselves. Some species of fish, however, are notorious for having a tendency to devour live plants. Chief among these plant-eating species are Silver Dollar fish. These fish have been known to decimate entire planted tanks in a matter of days. Other species like Gouramis and Cichlids have been known to uproot plants while digging through aquarium substrate. Algae eaters like Plecostomus, and bottom feeders such as Loaches, have a tendency to chew holes in live plants as well.

Safe Fish for Planted Tanks

Most community fish are unlikely to eat aquarium plants, though they may appear to nibble on them from time to time. Some small species of fish that are safe for planted tanks include Barbs, Tetras, Danios, Platies and Guppies. Bottom feeders like Catfish, Corydoras and Gobies are also safe for planted tanks in addition to Discus fish and Dwarf Gouramis. Though these fish may not feed on the live plants in your tank, fresh vegetation is an important part of their diet that you need to supply. Offer your fish fresh vegetables like cucumber, lettuce, zucchini and shelled peas. If you find that your fish are still tempted to eat your aquarium plants, consider adding some fast-growing plants like Hygrophila or Duckweed that will provide your fish with a constant supply of vegetation so they will not be tempted to eat your other plants.