Setting Up A Planted Aquarium

You may think that it is hard to grow live plants in an aquarium so choose artificial plants instead

. However it isn't really so difficult and live plants look much more attractive and also help to keep your tank healthy. We'll look at some of the requirements for successfully choosing and growing plants in your aquarium in this article.

Many people think that growing live plants in an aquarium is difficult and opt for artificial plants instead. It really isn't that hard and live plants look much more attractive and also help to keep your tank healthy. We'll look at some of the requirements for successfully choosing and growing plants in your aquarium in this article.

Which plants should I choose?

If you haven't grown live plants before choose one of the easier varieties such as Java Fern, Hygrophila polysperma, Java Moss, water Sprite or Vallisneria spiralis first before trying the harder to grow species. Many of these species only require low light levels and do not need a lot of fertiliser and thrive in tanks with either under gravel or power filters. As these plants all get their nutrients from the water, rather than from the substrate you won't have to use a nutrient rich substrate or add any fertiliser.

Substrates

The recommended plants do not need any special substrate but if you choose other types of plants you will need to use a substrate specially made for a planted tank. These substrates contain all the minerals required for healthy plants growth including essential iron. You should also choose one that does not contain carbonates which will increase the hardness of the water and does not contain any artificial colors. Many of the substrates also contain live bacteria to help convert fish waste into plant food.

Lighting

Lighting is extremely important for healthy plant growth and requirements vary between different plant species. Consistent lighting of at least eight hours a day is neccessary but don't be tempted to keep the lights on longer as this will encourage the growth of algae. Check the lighting requirements of the plants you have chosen as some will need more intense lighting than others and you may need to use specially designed fluorescent lighting for plants.

Carbon Dioxide Requirements

Plants will also need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. if you have a lightly planted tank the carbon dioxide exhaled by the fish will be adequate but for a heavily planted tank this may not be enough. You can fit a carbon dioxide injector in this case to provide enough for your plants to thrive.

The Fish

Be careful when choosing fish for a planted aquarium as some species are notorious for eating plants or even uprooting them. Goldfish and Oscars are some species that will uproot plants and Silver Dollars will nibble on your plants and make a mess of them!

Conclusion

A tank planted with live plants is a beautiful sight and, in my opinion, far superior to one with artificial plants. Looked after properly it will be a healthy environment for your fish and is not as difficult to maintain as you might have imagined. If you are a beginner choose easy plants and you will soon have a beautiful planted aquarium.

by: Alan Williams

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