Why have real plants?

There are several benefits to growing real plants in the aquarium. Plants feed off nitrate, helping to keep levels low and algae at bay. They also provide hiding places for fish and add interest to their environment. Many species of plants are very tasty, goldfish in particular enjoy grazing on these plants. This benefits their diet and can help to prevent swim bladder problems.

What type of plants?

Unless you convert your aquarium for plant growth some species can be very difficult to grow. Trial and error is often the only way to find good plants for your aquarium. Try inexpensive bunches of hardy looking plants and stick with the ones that work.

If you want plants which can help to keep levels of pollutants low you will need fast growing stem plants like Elodea densa or Cabomba aquatica. These species are often sold as ‘goldfish weed’ or ‘oxygenators’.

Generally, fish like to graze on soft, bright green plants.  Tougher varieties, or fast growing plants usually withstand the attentions of fish, however some fish will just destroy any plant.

Selecting  several plants of different heights will add interest to the aquarium for you and your fish.

Do plants oxygenate the water?

During daylight hours plants use carbon dioxide from the water around them and release oxygen into the water. When it is dark however they do the opposite, this is why plants shouldn’t be used to oxygenate aquarium water.

Artificial plants.

Plants can be difficult to grow any many people prefer to choose artificial aquarium plants. There are many available, usually made from plastic or silk, and can look very realistic. Although they do not have the benefits of live plants they never die and can be taken out and washed when dirty.

Fixing plants in the aquarium.

Plants are usually sold in pots or bunches; both can restrict the growth of the plants.  Pots must be removed, the substrate used around the roots can cause  the water to become cloudy. Most stem plants can be kept in their bunches as long as they are regularly taken out and trimmed.

Use the ceramic media in your aquarium to anchor plants into position. Remove 5-6 rocks, insert the plant into a gap and then place the rocks around the plant to secure it. Single stems can be fed in-between the rocks quite easily.

Plants with good root systems, such as Cryptocornes and java fern, can be loosely tied onto bog wood or aquarium rock with fishing line. These plants should then grow onto the surface. This makes it easier to position the plants and lift them out of the water.

Aquarium gardening.

Many plants do not need much care. However, a little gardening during normal aquarium maintenance will keep plants looking their best. Dead leaves should be removed as soon as you see them. Take them off cleanly near the base of the plant.

For a well planted aquarium the nitrate level should be between 20-40 ppm. You can find this out using an aquarium test kit. It is good practice to regularly check the level of nitrate, it rises over time and if it gets too high, may start to affect fish health and encourage algae growth.

Make sure the plants you buy are ‘aquarium plants’ and not varieties sold for ponds.