Aquarium Plants
If we see an aquarium planted tank, we feel amazing that how lively and vibrant is the aquarium appears. It may be because of the plants used in the freshwater and those plants provide natural filtration to the water in the aquarium. So using aquarium plants the fish will be healthy and also helps in breeding small fish. We have to plant the best aquarium plant for the fish to feel like living at ponds, rivers, etc.
Fish will utilize the aquarium plant for various things like food, safety, comfort, and even for reproduction. So the aquarium plant plays a vital role in not only the health of fish but also for a vibrant aquarium environment. Mostly the aquarium plant is tough enough to stand against the water chemistry and temperature.
Floating Aquarium Plants
Floating aquarium plants are stunning features for freshwater aquarium tanks. These plants will float on the water and do not attach to the base of the tank. They are available in different shapes and sizes from a little plant to a one-foot length. Some of the floating aquarium plants are safe for betta and having roots that hang in the tank and the plant floats above them.
Benefits of Floating Aquarium Plants
- A floating aquarium plant will supply perfect shading to other aquarium plants and will also cover betta from lights irritating the aquarium is one of the essential features.
- Floating aquatic plants are good in adding oxygen to the water tank which is a great benefit to fish for the long haul. These plants act as air circulation system as ordinary vegetation does outside the aquariums that safeguard the tank against toxins.
- These plants will filter the fish waste with the bacterium developing on the plants. Floating plants can even handle the biological and chemical filtration pretty well. These plants will protect the aquarium fish against the diseases and are an incredible place for the fish to play.
- A floating aquarium plant will give a wild and natural look to the tank so that the fish also feels comfortable in the water.
- Sometimes the fish in the aquarium starved or exposed to infections due to irregular feeding. Fish will not only depend on the feeding we supply but also nibbles or eat floating plants which is with nutrition and will be a great diet.
Low Light Aquarium Plants
A Low light aquarium plant requires 3 watts per gallon of light or less than that. The Low light aquarium plants are the best pick for the aquarium tank. These plants also called “easy plants” and easy to grow and maintain them correctly. The low light aquarium used as underwater decoration and fishes wide at the plants.
These plants do not require extra lights, water regulations, or even carbon dioxide to survive. The low light plants will help beginners develop vast, long-lasting, and low cost provides a calming effect and pleasure for years.
Benefits of Low Light Aquarium Plants
- Aquatic plants give oxygenation through the process of photosynthesis in water. They provide fresh oxygen to fish by consuming carbon dioxide released by these living organisms.
- By these plants, there will be a creation of natural habitat for fish to live in the tank. Choose live plants that will mimic their natural habitat.
- Live plants clear the nitrates and other liquid excrements to maintain the aquarium.
- Last but not least, they provide an opportunity to fish for breeding and laying eggs.
Red Aquarium Plants
If we add plants in the aquarium, it will be a great idea but plain old green is not the only option. There are red plants too that add bright pops of colors. These plants will really crack against the greenery and add interest and depth to the overall look.
Taking care of these plants is not easy and difficult to get them to maintain the red color. Some of the red plants meant only for experienced aquarists but there are many other options for the beginners. The red aquarium plant requires a different balance of nutrients compared to green plants.
Benefits of Red Aquarium Plants
- Red Aquarium plants enhance the water quality and prevent algae growth formed by fish wastes, uneaten food, and organic debris.
- These plants produce oxygen during daylight, used by the fish, and stabilize pH, in turn, releases Carbon Dioxide as its food source.
- The plants protect themselves from too much sunlight and sunburn.
- These plants contain anthocyanins which absorb radiation and convert into heat energy for its benefit. By this energy the damage to the plant cells including DNA in the cell nuclei prevented.
Saltwater Aquarium Plants
Saltwater aquarium plants are challenging to grow but not much difficult as we think. In a saltwater aquarium, there are no typical plants but called as algae which are non-flowering plants that grow in water. There are two types of algae’s micro-algae and macro-algae. Micro-algae are only seen once they start growing out of control and macro-algae grows in different shapes and forms which adds a natural touch to the aquarium.
Best Aquarium Plants
Best Floating Aquarium Plants
Java Moss
Java Moss is one of the popular and best floating aquarium plants. This plant grows fast and also difficult to kill, it does not require high maintenance. It must be connected to a huge stone in the aquarium tank and it starts extending over to the surface.
It is having the nature of roaming freely around the fish tank, so most of the people suggest to cling it to something to overcome the problem. This plant survives anything between 72 to 90 degrees F. It grows best in any lighting condition.
Water Spangles
Water Spangles are also lovely floating aquarium plants which we can consider in our aquarium tank. This plant has specifically 12 spangles with every six leaves for it. These plants are very strong and deal with a wide range of water conditions.
These plants act as good cover for a betta, who don’t like and enjoy the sunlight. Water Spangles serve as a great source of food for both kinds of fishes, omnivores, and herbivores. These plants also stop the growth of algae in the tank. The main advantage of this plant is, they do not require any substrate.
Best Aquarium Plants to Reduce Nitrates
Marimo Moss
To reduce nitrate in the aquarium tank Marimo Moss I a decent quality live plant. Nitrate is harmful to the organism in the tank. This plant is easy, natural, and long lastingly harvested. It acts as beautiful for tank decoration. The Marimo comes in four pieces from one inch to 2.25 inches.
These plants will add life to the aquarium tank and will help in eradicating pests and parasites. They also remove poor quality specimens in the tank. Marimo Moss doesn’t have common contaminants and also doesn’t require light and carbon dioxide.
Anubias
Anubias will attach to rocks and driftwood, it is a dark green thick-leaved plant. This plant grows partially or fully submerged with ease, the rhizomes must be attached to rocks or wood and above the substrate. It grows in the temperature range of 72-82 degrees F.
The breeding of the plant is simple by separating side shoots or dividing the rhizomes. The leaves of the plant are thick and strong that fish withstands and like to attach themselves to leaves plecostomus and algae eaters.
Best Aquarium Plants for Goldfish
Amazon Sword
Amazon Sword is one of the most commonly sold Aquarium Plant for Goldfish. It is originated from the extreme diversity of the Amazon River basin, so the name of the plant Amazon Sword taken. This plant used as a part of a quas caped aquariums background and grows 15-18 inches which are made with leaves. It survives and tolerates water temperature and quality.
This plant’s rhizomes can grow large and deep into the substrate, so do not use under gravel filters. The leaves of the plant are in a light color and spread widely reaching the top of the tank. It grows in any environment and does not consume food supplements to thrive.
Vallisneria
Vallisneria leaves are short so it is suitable for small aquariums also. The leaves are thin and do not overshadow small plants. Vallisneria plant is easy to breed in home aquariums. Planting this tree is a little bit tricky until roots take hold to the substrate, if not the plant floats to the surface.
It takes 5-7 days to grow and float. It is mainly used as a background plant and grows very long. The leaves grow long to the surface of the tank and will float on the surface. With plenty of water in the tank, the plant movement looks incredible.
Conclusion
Aquarium plant comes with different colors, shapes, and sizes and also occupies different areas of the aquarium tank. These plants provide filtration to the tanks and provide shelter to the aquarium organisms. Aquarium plants are becoming popular for providing a natural environment for fish and shrimps. So above are some of the aquarium plants for your tank that we can enjoy by arranging the aquarium with floating, lowlight, and carpeting plants.
