Keeping Live Plants

THE ROLE OF LIVE PLANTS IN THE AQUARIUM

An aquarium fully decorated with live plants is a sight to behold. The different colours and plant shapes create a unique environment in every aquarium. Tropical fish feel at home in this environment and they are less likely to compete for territories. Quite often they will be inclined to breed as if they were in their native environment.

Aquatic plants are a natural benefit to your aquarium:

They convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. Oxygen is essential to the inhabitants of your aquarium. Increased oxygen levels will also boost your aquarium’s biological filtration capability.
They absorb toxic waste in the water to improve water quality.
They reduce algae growth in a tank by consuming excess nutrients like nitrates and phosphates.
They create a secure living environment for your fish, encouraging natural behaviours and improved visibility.
Shrimp, otocinclus, and flying foxes have symbiotic relationships with live plants. For the reasons above, these animals benefit, while live plants benefit from these animals cleaning their leaves and consuming dead plant matter. Flying foxes are too big to be eaten by other tank inhabitants, and are therefore suitable for aquariums with larger fish.

Tips for Planting:

Do not use carbon filter media, as it removes nutrients from the water that plants need.
When a plant is first introduced into a new aquarium, it may go into a period of “shock.” Trim dead or dying leaves so that new growth can adapt to the new environment.
Use plant glue to attach certain plants to rocks and driftwood.
Bare root plants (i.e., Anubias, Amazon swords) are planted like houseplants. Dig a hole in the substrate and carefully cover the roots to secure them in place. Do not push the crown of the plant (the node from which the stems radiate) below the surface, as this can affect growth.
Bunch plants are young plants or stems grouped together with a rubber band or lead weight. To prepare them for planting, remove all leaves down to the node (where the leaf connects to the stem), allowing the bare stem to grow roots. The stems can then be floated in the aquarium for a few days to develop roots, or wrapped in rockwool and planted.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Lighting – All plants require light to grow, but sunlight shining through the window can cause problems in the aquarium. Intense sunlight can lead to excessive algae growth, and heat from the window may cause water temperature fluctuations. Incandescent lights are not recommended for live plants, because they are either not bright enough or produce too much heat. Fluorescent or LED lighting are both suitable for growing live plants.

To choose the right bulb, consider the lumens (low-light plants prefer 40-75 lumens/gallon, high-light plants prefer 150+ lumens/gallon). A fluorescent bulb produces approximately 50-70 lumens per watt, while an LED bulb produces about 80-150+ lumens per watt. The ideal Kelvin rating is approximately 6400 K.

CO₂ – Carbon dioxide is required for respiration and growth by all aquatic plants. Easy-level plants can absorb sufficient amounts through liquid carbon fertilizers, while medium- to advanced-level plants require a CO₂ injector with compressed CO₂.

Temperature – Most plants do not require a specific temperature, as long as it does not exceed 82°F (28°C).

Substrate Fertilizer

Laterite – Laterite is a natural type of river clay (rich in nutrients) that must be used in combination with a fine- to medium-grade aquarium gravel. This mixture provides a base of essential nutrients for strong root growth and plant development.
All-in-One – This type is a nutrient- and mineral-rich, stand-alone substrate that does not require laterite or gravel to be effective. Examples include Stratum® and Fluorite®.

NUTRITIONAL

Plant foods in the form of liquid fertilizers should be added regularly to support the growth and health of aquatic plants. Each aquarium uses nutrients at different rates, so water testing is the best method to determine when and how much to add.

Nitrogen and Phosphate Liquid Fertilizers – Adding extra nitrogen and phosphates is necessary for new set-ups and during water changes. As these nutrients are produced, plant life will absorb them. The quantity of live plants and fish will determine how much supplementation is necessary in established aquariums.

Potassium, Carbon, Iron and Trace Element Liquid Fertilizers - These nutrients are essential for plant growth and vibrant colours and should be regularly added. If you are adding plants to an existing tank, these fertilizers should be the first priority.

MAINTENANCE

Water Test Kit – Test kits allow you to check iron, nitrate, and phosphate levels to determine which liquid fertilizers need to be added, as well as to determine if the CO₂ levels are correct.

Pruning – Like household plants, aquatic plants (especially bunch plants) require trimming. As plants grow, they can become dense and block light from reaching lower plants. Aquatic plant trimmers have extended handles, allowing you to easily reach into your aquarium and prune plants.

Leaf Removal – Plants may periodically lose leaves due to insufficient lighting or damage from fish nibbling. Decaying leaves can increase pollution and lower pH levels. Remove any decaying or damaged leaves to maintain healthy plants and a clean aquarium.

CHECKLIST

Fluorescent or LED lights
CO₂ system
Substrate fertilizer (laterite and gravel, or all-in-one)
Nitrogen and phosphate liquid fertilizers
Potassium, carbon, iron, and trace element liquid fertilizers
Water test kit
Plant trimmers
(Optional) Decorations for the plants to grow on with plant glue
(Optional) Shrimp, otocinclus, or flying foxes to help maintain plant cleanliness

Please ask your pet counsellor what other items pertain to your particular plant’s needs!

Click here to find all your live plant needs.

THE ROLE OF LIVE PLANTS IN THE AQUARIUM

Aquatic plants are a natural benefit to your aquarium:

They convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. Oxygen is essential to the inhabitants of your aquarium. Increased oxygen levels will also boost your aquarium’s biological filtration capability.

They absorb toxic waste in the water to improve water quality.

They reduce algae growth in a tank by consuming excess nutrients like nitrates and phosphates.

They create a secure living environment for your fish, encouraging natural behaviours and improved visibility.

Tips for Planting:

Do not use carbon filter media, as it removes nutrients from the water that plants need.

When a plant is first introduced into a new aquarium, it may go into a period of “shock.” Trim dead or dying leaves so that new growth can adapt to the new environment.

Use plant glue to attach certain plants to rocks and driftwood.

Bare root plants (i.e., Anubias, Amazon swords) are planted like houseplants. Dig a hole in the substrate and carefully cover the roots to secure them in place. Do not push the crown of the plant (the node from which the stems radiate) below the surface, as this can affect growth.

ENVIRONMENTAL

CO2 – Carbon dioxide is required for respiration and growth by all aquatic plants. Easy-level plants can absorb sufficient amounts through liquid carbon fertilizers, while medium- to advanced-level plants require a CO₂ injector with compressed CO₂.

Temperature – Most plants do not require a specific temperature, as long as it does not exceed 82°F (28°C).

Substrate Fertilizer

Laterite – Laterite is a natural type of river clay (rich in nutrients) that must be used in combination with a fine- to medium-grade aquarium gravel. This mixture provides a base of essential nutrients for strong root growth and plant development.

All-in-One – This type is a nutrient- and mineral-rich, stand-alone substrate that does not require laterite or gravel to be effective. Examples include Stratum® and Fluorite®.

NUTRITIONAL

Plant foods in the form of liquid fertilizers should be added regularly to support the growth and health of aquatic plants. Each aquarium uses nutrients at different rates, so water testing is the best method to determine when and how much to add.

Potassium, Carbon, Iron and Trace Element Liquid Fertilizers - These nutrients are essential for plant growth and vibrant colours and should be regularly added. If you are adding plants to an existing tank, these fertilizers should be the first priority.

MAINTENANCE

Water Test Kit – Test kits allow you to check iron, nitrate, and phosphate levels to determine which liquid fertilizers need to be added, as well as to determine if the CO₂ levels are correct.

Pruning – Like household plants, aquatic plants (especially bunch plants) require trimming. As plants grow, they can become dense and block light from reaching lower plants. Aquatic plant trimmers have extended handles, allowing you to easily reach into your aquarium and prune plants.

Leaf Removal – Plants may periodically lose leaves due to insufficient lighting or damage from fish nibbling. Decaying leaves can increase pollution and lower pH levels. Remove any decaying or damaged leaves to maintain healthy plants and a clean aquarium.

CHECKLIST

Fluorescent or LED lights

CO₂ system

Substrate fertilizer (laterite and gravel, or all-in-one)

Nitrogen and phosphate liquid fertilizers

Potassium, carbon, iron, and trace element liquid fertilizers

CO₂ – Carbon dioxide is required for respiration and growth by all aquatic plants. Easy-level plants can absorb sufficient amounts through liquid carbon fertilizers, while medium- to advanced-level plants require a CO₂ injector with compressed CO₂.