Learn More > Aquariums > Aquarium Environment > Aquarium Plants

Plants in the aquarium

A planted aquarium is very rewarding to keep. Apart from enhancing the look of an aquarium, a planted aquarium opens up a whole new side of the aquarium hobby, is great fun for anyone who enjoys gardening, and also has many benefits for your fish.

Fish will feel more secure in a planted aquarium as the plants will provide shelter. You will notice your fish looking brighter and healthier and when fish feel secure they will feed better and are less likely to suffer from stress related diseases such as white-spot. In addition, many fish will only spawn or breed in a planted aquarium. Plants will help to improve water quality by removing undesirable nitrates and phosphates from the water as they grow, and help to keep algae at bay.

There are many different types of aquarium plant varying in shape, size and requirements in terms of water conditions, so there is something to suit everyone, but  - just as with fish - speak to your aquatic dealer about which plants will do well in your aquarium depending on your lighting and your local tap-water.

The basic requirements of most plants are:

• High Intensity Lighting
• Plant Food
• Suitable Substrate or Gravel
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Unit

There have been many improvements in aquarium lighting over the last few years and there are many fluorescent tubes designed for aquatic plants with high intensity T5 lighting being a good option to go for.

Bright lighting will make a big difference to how fast your plants grow, but you will find they will be much healthier looking if you use an aquatic plant food. There are many types available from liquids to tablet and granular forms and these should be added regularly to the aquarium to get the best from your plants.

Many plants will grow better if a fine, course substrate is used. A fine, course substrate will provide the perfect environment for root growth, and some of the better substrates provide minerals which will help the plants grow.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) dispensing units are one of the newer ways to make plants flourish. Plants need CO2 to grow and, whilst there's a limited amount of CO2 produced by the fish and filtration in the aquarium, your plants will grow twice as well if you add a CO2 unit to your aquarium set-up.

Disclaimer:  This article is supplied for informative purposes only. Seapets Ltd has done its very best to make sure that the above information is up-to-date and correct, but takes no responsibility for any consequences resulting from the following of this advice. As always, it is recommended that you consult with your local vet regarding any concerns that you may have for your pet.

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