How to Find Plants for a Saltwater Aquarium

Adding plants to a saltwater aquarium is an excellent way to improve the aesthetics of the tank, but it also helps with the water quality and gives the animals a more natural habitat. Here are some tips to help you select the right plants. To purchase them, visit online vendors or local pet supply retailers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Choose plants that will be acceptable to the other life in the aquarium. The plants that you select must be compatible with the types of fish you have in the aquarium. Every situation is unique. The goal is to look for plants that will do well in the saltwater with other inhabitants and together they will create a balanced organic system that helps each of them survive.
2. Find plants that work with the saltwater aquarium's CO2 level, then give them what they need. Plants need a large amount of CO2 to survive. With this available, add the right ingredients, including plants with a strong root system, give them good amounts of light and keep their temperatures at the right level. Depending on the fish's needs, match the right plants for the tank.
3. Consider algae carefully. Algae does very well in aquariums because they like the still water, but do not select thriving algae as it will overtake the tank. To avoid this, replace 25 percent of the water of the tank every two weeks or develop a system that will keep water moving into the algae to quell its growth.
4. Purchase the right types of plants from reputable providers. Some specific plants to ask for include halimeda (non-invasive and not likely to be fed on) or penicillus (absorb excess nutrients from tank and not often fed on.) Other options include macro algae that are well contained and monitored.
5. Avoid some plants in your saltwater aquarium that may not do well or may harm other organisms in the tank. Ask your saltwater fish provider about any specific plants dangerous to the fish you purchase. Avoid bubble algae as they are too aggressive. If you use this type of algae, add emerald crabs or Sohal Tang fish to the tank that will eat the algae.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a reputable retailer of saltwater fish to help you select the most appropriate aquarium plants for your tank based on the fish you purchase and the tank set up.