How to Care for Aquarium Plants
Freshwater aquarium plants need as much care and maintenance as the fish that are in the tank. The growth and well-being of your aquatic plants will depend on your attention to their nutrition and environmental needs. Here's how to care for them.
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Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Long Stick
- Water
- Anti-chlorine or Water Conditioners
- Aquatic Plant Fertilizers
Instructions
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Do Regular Check-ups
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Trim or prune dead or damaged leaves and branches.
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Propagate by cutting or separating new growth.
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Remove snails that could quickly multiply and feast on your foliage.
Perform Regular Water Changes
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Schedule a weekly change of about 20 percent of the water volume.
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De-chlorinate and check the temperature of the new water before introducing it into the tank.
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Consider adding fertilizer to the water if appropriate.
Fertilize
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Choose aquatic plant fertilizers that are rich in nutrients like iron and potassium. They are available as pellets and in liquid form.
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Follow the product instructions on the quantity, schedule and manner of applying these fertilizers.
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Consider acquiring substrates that are mixed with laterite clay, which is specifically beneficial for tank vegetation.
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Tips & Warnings
Perform water changes especially when the water composition degrades into a state that is no longer beneficial to plants.
Some serious aquatic plant enthusiasts introduce CO2 into the tank to boost the plant systems. Inquire from your vendor about this option.
Never introduce anything toxic into the aquarium. They will harm both fishes and plants.
When medicating fish, transfer them to a tank containing no plants. Some fish medications are harmful to plants, affecting leaf coloring, absorption of nutrients, and overall health.
When using water conditioners and anti-chlorine treatments, never pour them directly on the plants.
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos by Ronald Bayan
