How to Make Aquarium Plants Grow

Plants add visual appeal to a fresh water aquarium. They also convert CO2 into oxygen, helping to keep the water aerated for the fish. Growing plants in an aquarium makes for a more natural eco-system within the tank, resulting in healthier fish. By following a few simple steps when creating your aquarium, you can have an attractive, plant-filled tank that will add charm to any room.

Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse the tank. Do not use soap or chemicals. Use lightly salted water. Fill the tank with clean water.

2. Add course sand to the bottom of the tank. This layer of sand should be an inch deep.

3. Add an inch of gravel to the tank on top of the sand. The gravel will prevent the sand from clouding the water. The sand provides a stable foundation for the gravel.

4. Choose the plants you want to include in your tank. Plants can be purchased at pet stores or other pet supply outlets. The plants are fully sprouted and should be transported in water.

5. Plant the rooted ends into the layers of gravel and sand. Do this by gently easing the rooted ends into the material.

6. Plant in groups. Dense groupings throughout the tank should increase plant growth. The plants are less susceptible to damage from fish and snails if they are grouped closely together.

7. Do not install underground filters in your tank. These promote root growth but slow plant growth. Install a canister filter or a wet/dry filter. Do not use an air bubbler. These deplete the CO2 levels necessary for plant growth.

8. Maintain the temperature of the tank at or near 74 degrees F. Higher temperatures cause plants to wilt and die.

9. Light the aquarium using full spectrum lights. The light should be in 12-hour cycles: 12 hours on, 12 hours off.

10. Inspect the plants every two weeks. Look for damaged or unhealthy plants and remove them from the tank. Replace as necessary to maintain dense groupings.