planted tank 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.

5 Types Of Recommended Lighting For A Planted Tank Setup

In order to keep your planted tank healthy for both your fish and your plants, it is not only important to provide lighting but to provide the right type and amount of lighting. Before you can do this, however, you need to…

For a planted tank setup, there are many lighting options to choose from. See which type of lighting is right for your planted tank.

Installing adequate lighting is important regardless what type of aquarium you have, but it is even more essential in a planted tank. Aquarium plants undergo the process of photosynthesis during the time they are exposed to light. During this process, plants absorb carbon dioxide and expel oxygen. Without adequate lighting, plants are unable to complete the process of photosynthesis and, rather than seeing an increase in oxygen levels, your tank could become overloaded with carbon dioxide. In order to keep your planted tank healthy for both your fish and your plants, it is not only important to provide lighting but to provide the right type and amount of lighting. Before you can do this, however, you need to learn the basics of aquarium lighting for planted tanks.

The Importance of Lighting in a Planted Tank

Photosynthesis is the chemical process through which plants use the energy from light to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds. In the home aquarium, plants absorb carbon dioxide through their leaves and, through the process of photosynthesis, convert it into simple sugars. Oxygen is a by-product of this process. At night when the plants are not being exposed to light, photosynthesis is reversed and aquarium plants engage in a process called respiration. During this process the plants in your tank will absorb oxygen and use it to break down food – the by-product of this process is carbon dioxide.

Based on this information, an amateur hobbyist might be tempted to leave the lights in his aquarium on all the time in hopes of keeping the process of photosynthesis going. In reality, aquarium plants only need about 10 to 12 hours of light per day and leaving the lights on any longer will not do any good. In fact, exposing your aquarium to too much light may lead to excessive algae growth. For the sake of keeping a balanced tank, it is wise to set your aquarium lights on a timer so they will remain on for up to 12 hours every day.

Types of Lighting for Planted Tanks

The type of lighting you choose for your planted tank can greatly affect the health and growth rates of your plants. If you try to cultivate a planted tank using a single, small fluorescent bulb you should not be surprised if your plants grow very slowly or die off rather than growing at all. There are several types of aquarium lighting recommended for planted tanks and you, as the hobbyist, can decide which type is best for your tank.

Standard Fluorescent – Standard fluorescent bulbs range in both size and color and offer an average bulb life between 6 and 18 months. This type of lighting is particularly popular among aquarium hobbyists because it is inexpensive and does not require additional equipment such as cooling fans to run. Another feature which makes these lights popular is the fact that they can be installed in tank hoods – they do not require a specialized lamp or mounting fixture. Though these bulbs can be used in planted tanks, they are best suited for plants that require low lighting and, as such, may not fulfill the needs of a fully planted tank.

T-5 HO (High Output) – These bulbs are simply another variety of fluorescent light. Unlike standard fluorescent lighting, however, T-5 HO bulbs produce high intensity light and come in a much more compact size. T-5 bulbs range in wattage from 24 to 54 and can last up to two years. Unlike some types of high intensity lighting, T-5 bulbs are cooler running and do not require a fan. These bulbs are best suited for both reef tanks and a freshwater planted tank setup that are less than 24 inches deep. Personally, I prefer to use the T-5 lighting setup in my planted tanks. If you don’t mind spending a bit extra to get really good quality, then buy a fixture made by Aquatic Life . . . you’ll be thoroughly satisfied.

VHO (Very High Output) – Another type of fluorescent lighting, VHO bulbs are available in high wattages and have a longer life than standard fluorescent bulbs. VHO bulbs come in wattages between 75 and 165 and can last between 4 and 18 months. Because these bulbs are available in a variety of sizes, they are ideal for large planted tanks. The major drawback associated with this type of lighting is the heat they produce. In order to prevent the tank from overheating, a chiller or cooling fan may be needed.

Power Compact – This type of lighting simply refers to compact fluorescent bulbs. Many hobbyists prefer the smaller size of these bulbs over standard fluorescent bulbs because it is possible to position more of them over the tank. Compact fluorescent bulbs can be found in a variety of sizes at wattages between 10 and 130. These bulbs have one of the best longevities in aquarium lighting, lasting up to 28 months. Though compact fluorescent bulbs provide high-intensity lighting and a wide spectrum range, they also run hot and may require a fan.

Metal Halide – Metal halide lighting provides high-intensity lighting ideal for reef aquariums and planted tanks more than 24 inches deep. These bulbs typically last between 6 and 18 months and come in wattages ranging from 70 to 1000. This type of lighting offers the highest intensity along with a wide spectrum range. The downside to metal halide lighting is, of course, that it produces a great deal of heat. These lighting systems are popular among advanced aquarium hobbyists and should only be used in combination with a chiller or fan to counteract the heat they give off.

Tips for Planted Tank Lighting

Regardless what type of lighting you choose to utilize in your planted tank, keep in mind that full-spectrum lighting is recommended to ensure proper plant growth. When purchasing the lights for your tank, stick to a ratio of 2 to 5 watts per gallon of tank capacity. It is also wise to remember that some types of lighting, particularly metal halide lights, produce a great deal of heat and should be accompanied by cooling fans in order to avoid overheating your aquarium.

If you are concerned about energy efficiency, both T-5 HO and compact fluorescent lighting systems are among the most energy efficient options in aquarium lighting. T-5 HO lights give off more than twice the amount of light as standard fluorescent bulbs of the same size and, because they are small, you can fit more of them into the space above your tank. Compact fluorescent lights utilize a twin-tube design which puts out a higher intensity of light than standard fluorescent bulbs without producing a great deal of heat. This option is low-cost and very safe for use in a planted tank.