Freshwater aquarium planted plants are natural and unique on their own. In fact, planted tanks come with selected marine fishes and plants to imitate the marine environment.
Thatâs why a lot of fish owners are getting hooked with growing plants in their tanks. But, a lot of people donât have the knowledge to set up these aquatic plants. So, in here, we are going to reveal some easy and efficient ways on how to plant aquarium plants.
More…
Overview of Growing Aquarium Plants
Plants do magic tricks for your aquariums such as offering food and oxygen to your fishes. Plus, they can keep the water more balanced and provide hiding places for your pet fish.
But, you do not need to worry if you are a beginner here. They are easy to plant and take care.
Moreover, the plants in your tank are helpful in the process of biological filtration. They can get rid of the ammonia in the water, which can be harmful to your fishes.
A lot of aquatic plants also take away ammonia. However, they cannot remove nitrates. So, by planting aquarium plants, you can make an underwater world for your fishes.
How to Plant Aquarium Plants:
Here are the steps to grow plants in your tank:
Choose the Plants You Want to Grow
To get started, you need to do some research and check some forums and information to plant aquarium plants. You also have to determine the right tank size, the scenery you want, and the size of your plants. Also, you need to take note that plants grow.
When you want plants with more leaves or moss, you need to consider if they fit in your tank.
Obtain a Cutting of the Plants You Want to Set Up
You can either have an affordable cutting and wait until it grows larger or buy an expensive plant. You can purchase these plants at a local pet store or a specialist that can give you the right cuttings for a low price.
But, ensure of what you place in your aquarium. Plants may hold inhabitants from shrimp and snails to illnesses and bacteria. You need to search for sources that seem to apply good hygiene in your tank.
Check the Plants for Snails and Other Pests
Some of the water snails breed fast. Unless you obtain loaches or fishes that will eat them, they will snack on your tank plants quickly. You can quarantine new plants outside of your aquarium for a couple of days. Then, observe if the snails will still appear.
Do Not Allow the Aquarium Plants to Dry Out
Other tank plants want to live submerged completely. But, do not let them dehydrate. If you want to plant more plants, you can use a bucket of water to hydrate them.
Try to Anchor Your Plants
The process may be an aesthetic matter frequently. So, to keep them from getting into the loose, you have to consider rooting your plants. You may try tying them to a string until they become stable. But, make sure to tie them loosely.
You do not want to bury rhizomes, which are greener and thicker than the stem or roots. You have to take note that hiding them may lead to the sudden death of the plants. Also, you do not have to cover the crown of plants that require being on the substrate.
Offer Light
Tank plants need light for food production. So, you need to determine the light requirements of plants you want to select.
Other plants need high amounts of light. But, plants that need little light will live well if your tank has light from the windows. Or else, you can use the fluorescent light on your tank.
Place the Fish
Although this is not needed, waste from your fishes will nourish your plants. Then, your plants will balance the water conditions in your tank. It tries to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during the day. At night, the plants discharge carbon dioxide.
Other plants also remove nitrites and ammonia. If you do not have fishes in the tank, you need to wait for at least a week after putting the plants. That way, you can introduce the fishes to the environment of the reservoir.
Replace the Water Occasionally
Plants do not require water changes the same method as that of the fish. However, you still need to replace the water when you change your fish water. Do not draw in your plant bed because it will injure or kill your fishes.
So, you have to siphon the top of the soil, which you planted the plants. Then, make sure that you do not destroy them.
Get Rid of the Algae
Algae growing on the aquarium walls or the leaves of the plants will compete with the light. So, you have to remove the algae by scraping or scrubbing the walls of your aquarium when replacing the water.
For a more convenient method, you have to let your fishes do the work for you. In fact, catfish and shrimp will consume algae.
Pruning the Plants When They Outgrow Your Aquarium
Depending on your plants or tank, you may discover that you have overcrowded your tank with plants.
So, you need to select slow-growing plants to keep them small. But, it can also mean growing fewer plants and wait for them to fill out the spaces. So, you have to look for the right balance.
Conclusion
Plants establish a relationship with your fish. So, you have to put up a natural tank to maintain the setup of your aquarium easily. Plus, aquatic plants offer biological filtration, as well as oxygen for a healthy environment of the fishes.
So, if you want to plant aquarium plants in your tank, you need to make sure that you enjoy the beauty of the plants.
You need to follow the steps indicated above for a successful planting experience. In turn, you will create a balanced community of your fishes and plants.
>>> Read More:
Related Posts:
