Aquatic Plants for Fish Tanks
Fish tank is not about having just the fish, gravel and decorations. Aquatic plants play a pivotal part. There are numerous reasons which tell why aquatic plants are important in fish tanks. Aquatic plants for fish tanks not only add beauty to the tank but also provide good hiding places and rearing places to fish. Some aquatic plants which are ideal for fish tanks are-
Types of Aquatic Plants for Fish Tanks :
Foreground :They are also known as unobtrusive aquarium plants. They are planted close to the tank’s front. If enough space and time is allowed to them they grow by spreading as lush green carpet. Foreground plants are Vallisneria, Java Moss, Anubius, Chain Sword, Lilaeopsis, Hair Grass, Spiral Val, Banana Lilies, and Glossostigma etc.
Midground :These plants are also known as Center positioned aquatics. They do not sprout up densely thereby providing ample space to fish to swim. You can make midground plant choice from given list-Java Fem, Red Tiger Lotus, Flame Moss, Rotala Wallichii, Amazon Sword, Blyxa and the like.
Background : These are tall plants which form a green backdrop. They are also known as tall growing aquatics. You can select this type from Baby Tears, Najas Grass, Dragon Flame, Tonina, Ludwigia, Bacopa, Hydrilla, Foxtail etc.
Floating :These are also known as immersed aquatics. Their extensive growth is useful in consuming the nitrate-accumulation in tank water resulting from fish waste. A variety of floating plants offer as excellent fish food. Some examples of this type are Ricia Fluitans, Duckweed, Fontinalis, Azolla, Greater Duckweed, Pennywart.
Role of Aquatic Plants :
Aquatic plants are an inseparable part of fish tanks. They not only decorate the tank and provide shelter to the fish but also act as live aeration and filtration systems. They make fish feel at its original home. Their presence affects the behavior of your fish in a positive way.
Advantages to Fish from Aquatic Plants :
Fish tanks which are consisted of aquatic plants provide a healthy atmosphere for fish to grow. Fish in these types of tanks are healthy and have bright colors. As aquatic plants provide fresh oxygen, fish’s gills are happy. Aquatic plats are liked by fish also as they provide hiding and breeding places.
Choose Compatible Aquatic Plants and fish :
Before you select aquatic plants for your fish tank, be sure that your fish is comfortable with them. Some fish eat plants, whereas some knock down a type of plants.
Requirements of Aquatic Plants :
All plants have their particular needs of light, nutrients, soil etc. Select a filter which keeps water clean by clearing out plant particles. Cloudy/foamy water makes the process of photosynthesis for plants difficult. Other factors to take care are water environments and rooting. To avoid pollution in the tank, use traces of fertilizer. Providing a clay substrate to these plants can also be a good option.
Regarding light requirements of aquatic plants, different types of aquatic plants need different amounts of lights to survive and thrive. These plants basically require three types of lights. They are categorized as under-
- Very bright-These plants require additional lightening to thrive. Some examples are Bacopa, Rotala Macrandra, and Cabomba species.
- Bright- Some plants need bright light to flourish. Examples of plants which fall in this bright light category are waterweed, Indian fern, Vallisneria, Rotala, Nimphaea, Ludwigia, Indian Hygrophila etc.
- Low-moderate-Standard Aquarium light suits plants which need such light. For example-Anubius, Java Fem, Java Moss etc.
Using aquatic plants in fish tanks is useful and fashionable. Selecting appropriate aquatic plants for fish tanks is as important as choosing your fish.
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