The Set up & Care of Freshwater Aquarium Plants

Waterscaping is a pleasurable hobby.

Aquariums filled with delicate plants add a tranquil beauty to the home. It's easy to set up and care for live freshwater plants if you keep a few tips in mind.

Choosing an Aquarium

Purdue University suggests starting with a 5- to 10-gallon tank. Place in an area that receives eight to 10 hours of sunlight a day.

Planting Medium

Purchase enough medium-sized gravel to create a 2-inch layer on the bottom of the aquarium.

Plants

There are three main types of aquarium plants to include. Rooted plants grow from runners and tend to be tall. Bunching plants grow in groups, and floaters grow on the water's surface.

Planting

Rinse the tank and gravel well. Add gravel and 6 to 8 inches of water. Group plants according to type. Plant tall plants in the rear corners, spreading out their roots and covering with gravel. Put shorter plants at their base. Place floaters on the water's surface after filling tank. Set the thermometer to 74 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Adding Fish

For a healthy aquarium environment, add no more than one inch of fish (not counting the tail) for every gallon of water.

Maintenance

Promptly remove any dead fish or uneaten food. Replace half the aquarium's water and prune out dead plant parts monthly.

References

• Purdue University Cooperative Extension: Planting Your Aquarium

Resources

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Aquarium Setup and Maintainence