What is involved in the care of live plants and how do you prepare your aquarium for the plants to thrive? Find out how in this article.

Now that you have your aquarium all set up many people prefer to add the beauty of natural plants. There are some considerations before you add plants to your aquarium.

How long has the tank been up and running?

It is crucial that the tank be set up properly before adding plants to the aquarium.

Check to make sure the filter is working properly. This is not necessarily a thorough check, just a general one: if your fish have been thriving and the water is clear then it should be safe to add plants. Another way is to have your water tested using either a home kit that you purchased or taking it to a pet store that offers water testing. Ask yourself: Why do you want live plants in your aquarium? Many people prefer the natural look that plants give the aquarium. However, if you are not prepared to care for the plants, it is best that you stick with the plastic kind, which are low maintenance.

What do live plants do for your fish tank?

They improve the aquarium environment not just by adding beauty but they convert carbon dioxide produced by the fish to oxygen. Thus plants are fundamental in adding additional oxygen, which the fish need to survive. Plants also use nitrate produced by fish waste as a fertilizer. They also give fish natural hiding places. This is important if you have live-bearers who often give birth to fry, which hide in plants in order to survive. Also many types of aggressive fish, such as cichlids, like hiding places that plants can provide. However, if you have a tankful of snails, live plants would not be for you. You can put your plants in with snails and they will think it is a gigantic feast.

The best place to find aquatic plants is at any local pet store with a decent aquarium section. Even some nurseries carry them. You should purchase the plants when you know you will be going straight home to your aquarium. If you allow the plants to dry out, this damages their delicate foliage. When at the pet store make certain that you buy an aquarium disinfectant so you can wash the plants off. This will eliminate any parasites that are on the plants at the time of purchase. Some individuals find this step unnecessary, but why take chances if your fish are happy and healthy?

Are there any special considerations when planting aquatic plants?

Aquatic plants differ from land plants in that aquatic plants tend not to have highly developed root systems. Aquatic plants instead obtain their nutrients through their leaves. It is best when putting plants in your tank that you place them in little pots, especially if you have an undergravel filter. This keeps the roots of the plant from clogging the pores of your undergravel filter. Some pet stores will sell the plants in small pots already. If you do not have an undergravel filter, this is not as crucial. However, the plants your purchase should have lead weights that can anchor into the gravel. In general, taller plants tend to look better if you put them around the sides and back of the aquarium. However, it is up to you on how you arrange the plants in your aquarium.

Proper lighting conditions are needed for your plants to thrive. An ordinary tank usually has an array of fluorescent bulbs. These in general are fine for your fish since fish do not need light to survive. However, plants need a special kind of lighting. You can find growth bulbs in your pet store which encourage plant growth. A popular brand is one called Grolux. In general a plant needs about ten to fourteen hours of light a day. This often can cause an algae growth problem. In order to combat this, avoid putting your tank in an extra sunny place. Also buy an algae scraper so you can attack the algae firsthand.

There is also an array of fertilizers out there. Fertilizers are good for your plants. Make sure when purchasing a fertilizer you get one that is safe for your fish. A fertilizer that you use in your garden will be poisonous to your fish. Many pet stores will sell liquid that you can put in the tank or even fertilizer tablets. If you do add a fertilizer you will want to make sure that you add the fertilizer tablets every time you do a water change. Follow the directions on the fertilizer, and if you have any questions, do not leave the pet store with them unanswered.

There are some common plants which are readily available which grow well in aquariums. The Amazon Sword is an extremely hardy and beautiful plant. When buying a sword plant you should try to get a pygmy sword plant that will only get up to seven cm tall. If plants are crowded their growth will be more upright making them appear taller. Amazon Swords like a slightly acidic water so they do not thrive in fish tanks that have African Cichlids, which require a higher pH. They will, however, thrive in tanks that have a lower pH, like tanks with angel fish or discus.

The Java Moss is another type of plant that is common in home aquariums. It is very versatile and grows well in an underwater setting. It provides a safe spawning ground for egg-laying fish. You want to take precautions to not put this plant in a well lit part of the aquarium because your tank will soon grow algae.

Floating plants are also popular plants to put in your aquarium. Species such as the water lettuce do very well. Floating plants disperse and offer a screening of the tank, creating darkened areas for catfish. Water lettuce grows very rapidly and you may need to trim or remove some of it from the tank so it does not grow out of control.

The Dwarf Hygrophilia is one of the most common plants found in the home aquarium. This plant is easy to cultivate and take care of. This plant however will tend to turn the aquarium water more acidic, so if you have extremely delicate fish that care about pH changes, you should not place this plant in your aquarium.

The Anachris is a very inexpensive plant that has an appearance similar to the fern. It is another pant that cultivates well given enough light during the day. It is an excellent hiding place for small fry, protecting them from being eaten by the larger fish in the tank.

Another plant to consider along the same lines of the Anachris is the Water Wisteria. The Water Wisteria has a ragged appearance and looks like long thin strands of grass. Plants add a natural beauty to any aquarium but it is important to care for them properly. Without the proper lighting and environment the plants will die. This is why many people who often start out with live aquatic plants end up resorting back to the plastic type of plants because you cant kill those.