- Sheila Morris/Flickr.com
Make sure you have the proper lighting for your plants. A basic rule is 3 to 4 watts of light per gallon of water. Although it can get more complicated than this. The light spectrum will play a vital role in the types of aquatic plants you have and the way they behave. Photosynthesis will usually take place at the blue end and red end of the light spectrum. Make sure that your aquarium lamps stay in the 5500 to 6700 K range. This range is ideal for your plants. Anything less than 5500K and your lamps will have too much yellow spectrum, which can lead to unwanted algae growth. Your local fish store will have no problem recommending lamps for your aquarium that match this range. - Choose a substrate that will meet the needs of your aquatic plants. Choosing a mixture of a good sandy base along with a plant grower bed will add the most benefit to your aquarium. Use natural substrates, as these will provide your plants with the added nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong. Avoid using silica-based sand if you can. Silica sand is not harmful to your tank, but it provides no nutrient value. For optimal results build your substrate bed up to about 3 to 5 inches. This will allow your plants to develop healthy root growth.
- Agitating your water by using air stones or bubble wands will rapidly increase the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is lost in your tank. Aquatic plants use CO2 in photosynthesis, and it is important that you maintain appropriate levels. CO2 is provided naturally by the fish and other animals that live in your tank. Observe your plants. If you notice little bubbles on their leaves then they are photosynthesizing. If not, you may have to increase the amount of CO2 in your tank by either cutting back on the production of bubbles in your tank or by adding fertilizer tabs to your plants. If, however, you are still unable to tell, you can pick up a CO2 test kit from your local fish store.
- Maintain proper nutrients for your aquatic plants on a regular basis. Your plants will receive natural food from the inhabitants of your aquarium, though sometimes this may not be adequate.
Fertilize your plants regularly by adding fertilizer tablets. Tablets can be added either next to the plant or buried into the substrate near the roots of the plant. The food you feed your fish can also aid your plants. Feed your fish foods rich in aquatic ingredients (less cereals and byproducts). Make sure your aquarium maintains trace elements; these elements will provide vital minerals to your plants. Most local fish stores will be able to provide you with a trace element supplement to add to your tank. - Dip your new plants into a neutralizing solution before adding them into your aquarium. This vital step will reduce algae build-up and the introduction of disease and parasites into your tank. Commercial plant dip products are available, but if your local fish store does not carry them, you can use a bleach/ dechlorinator dip. For this dip you will want to use 20 parts water to every one part bleach. Dip your delicate plants for two to three minutes, and your broad leaf plants for four to five minutes. After the allotted time frame, move the plants into the dechlorinator water mixture for about two minutes, then place them into your aquarium.
previous post
next post