Some of the usual things that we add to aquariums, aside from the fish and water, are really necessary additions and not just for decoration. One example of those necessary items is the aquarium plant. Aquarium plants provide the necessary hiding spots for the fish to make them feel more comfortable.
There are two main choices for aquarium plants: real and fake. Keeping real plants alive requires specialized care, above and beyond keeping your fish alive. Plastic plants, on the other hand, are easy to care for, even if it's your first aquarium.
Plastic plants are more durable and require very little maintenance. They only need the occasional cleaning with a brush. Plastic plants come in wonderful colors that are sometimes even more vibrant than real plants. Just remember to choose colors that will not stress your fish. Some fish will automatically adjust their color to blend in or to appear less conspicuous to avoid attracting predators.
There are also aquarium plants that are made of silk. They are a little more expensive but they appear more realistic and are easier to care for than other plastic plants. It is important to buy only silk plants that are designed for aquariums and not those found in craft stores that may contain chemicals that are harmful to your fish.
Fresh plants are of course, the most natural looking. Like some kinds of fish, though, they can be very hard to maintain. Some of them will thrive only under specific water temperatures or pH levels. Find the fresh plants whose specific needs are compatible with the water requirements of your fish.
There are other more noteworthy benefits in choosing real plants over fake ones. They give out oxygen and use up nitrates in the water thereby maintaining some balance in the nitrogen cycle. They also provide for breeding grounds for some fish and can be the natural food source to some others.
Despite their benefits, fresh plants can be hard to care for. Many varieties require specialized fertilizers or lighting. No plants can grow in the dark; lights are necessary for photosynthesis, which happens in aquatic plants just like in your garden plants. Some aquarium plants require more lighting than others. Many require special aquarium-specific plant fertilizers. Never use your garden fertilizer on your aquarium plants, because doing so will likely kill your plants and your fish.
Cleaning fresh aquarium plants is more difficult than cleaning fake ones because you'll have to clean them where they are planted. Decaying plant matter means a lot of waste at the bottom of your tank, which can reduce water quality. Products like EcoBio-Block can help keep your water healthy by providing a continual source of beneficial bacteria that breaks down organic waste, such as decaying plants, into safer by-products. Prune dying parts of the plant just like you would prune your houseplants. Healthy live plants improve your aquarium habitat, but if not cared for properly, they can reduce your water quality. Only you decide whether fresh aquarium plants are worth the additional maintenance.
There are two main choices for aquarium plants: real and fake. Keeping real plants alive requires specialized care, above and beyond keeping your fish alive. Plastic plants, on the other hand, are easy to care for, even if it's your first aquarium.
Plastic plants are more durable and require very little maintenance. They only need the occasional cleaning with a brush. Plastic plants come in wonderful colors that are sometimes even more vibrant than real plants. Just remember to choose colors that will not stress your fish. Some fish will automatically adjust their color to blend in or to appear less conspicuous to avoid attracting predators.
There are also aquarium plants that are made of silk. They are a little more expensive but they appear more realistic and are easier to care for than other plastic plants. It is important to buy only silk plants that are designed for aquariums and not those found in craft stores that may contain chemicals that are harmful to your fish.
Fresh plants are of course, the most natural looking. Like some kinds of fish, though, they can be very hard to maintain. Some of them will thrive only under specific water temperatures or pH levels. Find the fresh plants whose specific needs are compatible with the water requirements of your fish.
There are other more noteworthy benefits in choosing real plants over fake ones. They give out oxygen and use up nitrates in the water thereby maintaining some balance in the nitrogen cycle. They also provide for breeding grounds for some fish and can be the natural food source to some others.
Despite their benefits, fresh plants can be hard to care for. Many varieties require specialized fertilizers or lighting. No plants can grow in the dark; lights are necessary for photosynthesis, which happens in aquatic plants just like in your garden plants. Some aquarium plants require more lighting than others. Many require special aquarium-specific plant fertilizers. Never use your garden fertilizer on your aquarium plants, because doing so will likely kill your plants and your fish.
Cleaning fresh aquarium plants is more difficult than cleaning fake ones because you'll have to clean them where they are planted. Decaying plant matter means a lot of waste at the bottom of your tank, which can reduce water quality. Products like EcoBio-Block can help keep your water healthy by providing a continual source of beneficial bacteria that breaks down organic waste, such as decaying plants, into safer by-products. Prune dying parts of the plant just like you would prune your houseplants. Healthy live plants improve your aquarium habitat, but if not cared for properly, they can reduce your water quality. Only you decide whether fresh aquarium plants are worth the additional maintenance.
About the Author:
Leonard Boyler has been keeping fish for more than 20 years. His favorite products make aquarium care and maintenance very easy from start up to clarifying your cloudy fish tank. To find out more about what you need to do to keep water clear and healthy for your fish, please visit ONEdersave.com.
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