How to Care For Live Plants in a Fish Aquarium

Some fish tanks contain live plants and have a wonderful look to them, while others contain live plants and look muddy and unclear. Which tank would you rather have? This article will show you how to take care of live plants and turn your muddy, unclear water into beautiful crystal blue.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Live plants
• Aquarium gravel
• Live plant food
• Live plant chemicals

1. In order to put live plants in your aquarium, you must first purchase them from a local pet store. The associate at the pet store should be able to tell you which plants are the easiest to take care of, which ones require a certain tank temperature, and which ones they recommend for a beginner. Choose your plants, pay for them, and take them home immediately.

2. Open the bag to let the plants breathe some oxygen while you set up the tank. If you have any extra gravel, place it in the tank now. Live plants need to have deep gravel in order for their roots to grow properly.

3. Place each plant in the tank separately, pushing the roots into the gravel so they can get a good hold. Never smash the plants into the bottom of the tank, for this can hinder their growth process.

4. Add any live plant food or live plant chemicals to the water, as described on the label. If, at any time, the water appears to be muddy or unclear, add some water clarifier or live plant chemical to the water. Always read the labels!

Tips & Warnings

• Watch out for chemicals that are unsafe for fish. If you have fish in your tank, do not add these chemicals because they could kill them.
• If the live plants are not taking to your aquarium set-up right, call your local pet store and ask for help.