How to Grow Your Own Live Aquarium Plants
Live aquarium plants help oxygenate the tank water, keep algae under control and provide hiding places for fish, as well as adding to the aesthetic appeal of an aquarium. A planted tank looks more natural and provides a better habitat for fish and invertebrates than a plain tank or one with artificial plants. Like any other plants, aquarium plants need some basic care to thrive. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Fish tank with aeration, lighting, heating and filtration equipment
- Gravel
- Aquatic plants
- Small rocks
- String
- Aquarium plant nutrient tablets
Instructions
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1
Lay a 3- to 6-inch layer of good quality aquarium gravel in the tank as a substrate for the tank.
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2
Select aquarium plants adapted to the environment of your tank. Some plants are best suited to tropical tanks; others prefer cold water. They also have different water hardness requirements. Either buy plants suited to the water in your area or artificially soften or harden the water with buffers or minerals, available from an aquarium supply store. Very few plants will grow in a marine or brackish aquarium. Seaweeds, which aren't technically plants, are an option in this case.
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3
Weigh down submerged plants until they establish themselves in the substrate. A length of string and a small, clean rock for each plant are sufficient. Alternatively, if the plant has a good root system, make a small hole in the gravel and cover the roots with enough gravel to hold the plant in position. After a few weeks the plants should be rooted in place and you can snip away any string.
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4
Fertilize the water with aquarium plant nutrient tablets, according to directions.
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Keep tank lights on for 12 to 16 hours a day. This is also necessary for fish health and welfare.
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6
Remove decaying leaves and dead plants as they appear. If allowed to rot, they will pollute the tank water.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
