Taking care of Live Plants in your Fish Tank
There are many different live aquarium plants. Different plants have different unique requirements for care. Before you stock your tank with aquarium plants, you should take a minute to think about why you want them, which types would best suit your tank, and how you'll care for them.
Live plants are not quite as simple to clean as plastic or silk plants because they can be damaged or killed in the process.
You have to provide them Ideal environment i.e you have to maintain the ideal water parameters (temperature, pH, and hardness). To provide them with the ideal lighting conditions and regularly feed them fertilizers. You must read the article to Maintain the Planted Aquarium.
Benefits of Live Plants in Aquarium
- It converts carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen for your fish.
- Live plants use nitrates and other chemical waste products, helping remove them from the water column, so they don't harm your fish.
- You achieve a natural look.
- In addition to these benefits, aquarium plants help improve and maintain the quality of your tank water.
Aquarium plants can be divided into three different categories:-
- Foreground
- Mid-ground
- Background
Foreground Plants
Foreground plants are placed at the front of the tank. They are generally shorter and grow fairly slowly.
Some Foreground Plants are Carpet plants, Bucephalandra, and Java moss. (Buy on Amazon)
Midground plants
Midground plants are taller than foreground plants and can be used Along the sides of your tank and in the middle.
Some midground plants are Anubias plants, Java fern, baby tears, and dwarf chains. We can easily purchase these plants on Amazon (Buy on Amazon).
Background Plants
Background plants are larger plants you use in the back of your aquarium. They can create a natural backdrop for your tank as well as a place for your fish to hide.
Some background plants are Water sprite, Vallisneria, and Pearl weed. (Buy on Amazon)
How do I Feed and Maintain my Aquarium plants?
For healthy growth, aquatic plants need feeding just like fish, plants are simply repurchased once they've died off after a couple of weeks. Plant fertilizer, carbon dioxide, plant substrate, and correct lighting improve plant growth and health.
Liquid plant food, such as NT labs-plants boost, is easy to apply, it provides all essential trace elements that are removed by growing plants.
It is also high in iron, which is a significant plant nutrient and is not naturally found in high concentrations in tap water, and cannot be replenished by water changes. We can easily buy this product on Amazon. (Buy on Amazon)
How do aquatic plants make their food?
Aquatic plants, like all plant species, absorb carbon dioxide as part of photosynthesis to produce their own food.
Extra Tip
Money Plants can be placed on the top of the aquarium and allowed to grow roots in the water. This is beneficial for both plants and aquariums as it absorbs nitrates and uses them for growth. We can easily purchase money plants from anywhere, cheap and easily available, which enhances the aquarium look.