Aquarium plants are a great addition to any tank, no matter the size. They provide a lot of benefits to both the fish and the overall ecosystem of the aquarium.
These benefits range from oxygen production to providing a safe and secure place for the fish to hide. In this article, we will explore the various benefits of aquarium plants and the best beginner plants for new aquarium owners to get started.
Benefits of Using Aquarium Plants
1. Oxygen Production
Photosynthesis is the process in which plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the water.
This process helps to keep the dissolved oxygen level in the water high, which is vital for the survival of fish. In addition to this, aquarium plants also help to remove carbon dioxide from the water, which can lead to lower pH levels in the water.
2. Natural Filtration
Aquarium plants are great at providing both physical and chemical filtration.
They help to remove ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates from the water through various metabolic processes. The plants use these nutrients to grow and reproduce, thus removing them from the water.
This helps to maintain a healthy and stable environment for your fish to thrive in. 3.
Stop Algae Growth
Nutrient-low water is essential for healthy growth and survival of aquarium plants. By providing a healthy growth medium for plants to thrive, algae growth is often stunted or eradicated altogether.
Algae blooms occur when there are excess nutrients available in the water, which can be tackled by the introduction of aquarium plants that can absorb them. 4.
Provide Fish Refuge
Aquarium plants provide a sense of security and shelter for fish. They can be used to create hiding spots where fish can retreat to whenever they feel threatened or stressed.
Live plants also provide a natural environment for fish to live in, which can help them to adapt more easily to their surroundings.
Best Beginner Aquarium Plants
1. Hornwort
Hornwort is a popular aquarium plant due to its hardy nature and ease of care.
It is a tolerant plant that can survive in a wide range of water conditions. It is a floating plant that does not require any substrate and can be anchored down easily.
Hornwort is excellent at removing excess nutrients from the water, thereby preventing algae growth. 2.
Java Fern
Java Fern is another popular choice for beginner aquarium owners. It is a slow-growing plant that can be used as a background plant in the tank.
Java Fern can be attached to driftwood or rocks using string or fishing line. It is a low-maintenance plant that does not require any special care.
Java Fern helps to provide cover and shelter for fish. 3.
Anubias
Anubias is a great addition to any tank due to its versatile nature. It can be grown in a variety of substrates, including gravel, sand, and even on rocks.
It is a hardy plant that can tolerate unstable water parameters, making it ideal for beginners. Anubias helps to remove excess nutrients from the water and provides a natural habitat for fish.
4. Bacopa
Bacopa is a stem plant that requires minimal care.
It is a great addition to any tank due to its aesthetic appeal. Bacopa helps to remove excess nutrients from the water and provides shelter for fish.
Its stems can be cut and replanted to create a thicker and more lush forest. 5.
Cryptocoryne
Cryptocoryne is an excellent choice for beginners with unstable water parameters. It is a slow-growing plant that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
Cryptocoryne does not require any special care and can be grown in a variety of substrates. It helps to provide natural cover for fish and helps to remove excess nutrients from the water.
6. Vallisneria
Vallisneria is a great addition to any tank that wants to achieve a grass-forest theme.
It is a moderate light plant that requires a deep substrate to grow in. Vallisneria is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
It helps to remove excess nutrients from the water and provides shelter for fish. 7.
Marimo Moss Balls
Marimo Moss Balls are an easy-to-care-for plant that does not require any special care. It is a great plant for beginners who do not want to invest a lot of time in caring for plants.
Marimo Moss Balls help to absorb excess nutrients from the water, which helps to prevent algae growth. They also help to provide cover and shelter for fish.
8. Amazon Sword
Amazon Sword is a beautiful plant that requires a bit more care than the other plants on this list.
It requires a heater and a lighting system to grow properly. Amazon Sword helps to remove excess nutrients from the water and provides shelter for fish.
Its leaves need to be trimmed periodically to prevent overcrowding. 9.
Anacharis
Anacharis is a low-maintenance plant that requires moderate lighting. It is a great addition to any tank that wants to achieve a lush forest theme.
Anacharis helps to remove excess nutrients from the water and provides shelter for fish. 10.
Brazilian Pennywort
Brazilian Pennywort is a versatile plant that can be grown in a wide range of conditions. It is a low-light plant that can grow in both freshwater and brackish water.
Brazilian Pennywort helps to remove excess nutrients from the water and provides shelter for fish. 11.
Betta Bulb (Ruffled Sword Plant)
Betta Bulb, also known as the Ruffled Sword Plant, requires a pot to grow in. It is a centerpiece plant that is ideal for smaller aquariums.
Betta Bulb helps to absorb excess nutrients from the water and provides shelter for fish. 12.
Ludwigia
Ludwigia is a vibrant red plant that requires high light intensity to grow. It is a great addition to any tank that wants to add a pop of color.
Ludwigia helps to remove excess nutrients from the water and provides shelter for fish.
Conclusion
Aquarium plants are a great addition to any tank. They provide a range of benefits, including oxygen production, natural filtration, stopping algae growth, and providing refuge for fish.
Hornwort, Java Fern, Anubias, Bacopa, Cryptocoryne, Vallisneria, Marimo Moss Balls, Amazon Sword, Anacharis, Brazilian Pennywort, Betta Bulb, and Ludwigia are great beginner plants that are easy to care for and provide many benefits to the overall ecosystem. Adding plants to your aquarium can be very rewarding and will help to create a natural and healthy environment for your fish to thrive in.
3) Easy Carpeting Aquarium Plants
Carpeting plants are essential in any aquascape as they provide a lush green carpet and create an appealing layout for the aquarium. Carpeting plants are also beneficial for the fish as they provide hiding spots and help to maintain the overall ecosystem balance.
In this section, we will discuss the top six easy-to-care-for carpeting plants. 1.
Java Moss
Java Moss (Taxipyllum barbieri) is a hardy carpeting plant that is popular among beginners. It does not require any special substrate or lighting conditions and can be attached to rocks or driftwood using a thin thread or fishing line.
Java Moss will grow slowly and create an attractive carpet-like mat in the aquarium. It can be trimmed and shaped to your desired layout, perfect for aquascaping.
2. Dwarf Sagittaria
Dwarf Sagittaria (Sagittaria subulata) is a grass-like carpeting plant that provides a natural look to the aquarium.
It grows parallel to the substrate and sends out runners to form a compact carpet. The best substrate for Dwarf Sagittaria is sand or very fine gravel with a high iron content.
It requires moderate to high lighting and adequate nutrition for optimal growth. 3.
Dwarf Hairgrass
Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis parvula) is a bright green carpeting plant that is easy to care for. It requires a dark substrate for optimal growth.
The roots of Dwarf Hairgrass grow deep into the substrate, making it a great addition to an aquascape. It does require regular trimming for best results.
4. Dwarf Baby Tears
Dwarf Baby Tears (Micranthemum callitrichoides) is a low-maintenance carpeting plant that requires bright lighting and a nutrient-rich substrate for optimal growth.
It has a beautiful green color and produces small pearls that add a unique element to the aquascape. It is important to note that Dwarf Baby Tears can be challenging to grow, particularly in low-light environments.
5. Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo (Micranthemum Tweediei) is a traditional carpeting plant that helps to create a lush green mat in the aquarium.
It requires moderate to high lightings and CO2 supplementation for optimal growth. Monte Carlo can be grown on any substrate, whether it be gravel or sand, and it spreads rapidly via runners to create a lush carpet.
6. Christmas Moss
Christmas Moss (Vesicularia montagnei) is a slow-growing carpeting plant that has a soft and piny appearance.
It can be grown on rocks or driftwood, making it a great addition to any aquascape. Christmas Moss requires moderate to high lighting conditions and CO2 supplementation for optimal growth.
It is a hardy plant that can adapt to a range of water conditions. 4) Easy Aquarium Plants: FAQs
Aquarium plants come in different shapes, sizes, and colors.
They provide a range of benefits, including oxygen production, water filtration, and natural habitat for fish. However, many beginner aquarium enthusiasts often struggle with selecting the right plants for their aquarium and maintaining them.
In this section, we address some of the most common FAQs about aquarium plants. 1.
CO2 Supplements
CO2 is essential for photosynthetic activity in aquarium plants. Aquarium plants require carbon dioxide from the water to produce glucose, which is used as energy for growth and reproduction.
The natural level of CO2 in the water is typically not enough to boost growth. As a result, many aquarium enthusiasts opt to supplement their aquariums with CO2 to enhance plant growth.
2. Most Hardy Aquarium Plant
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) is one of the most hardy aquarium plants available in the market.
It is a tough and durable plant that can survive in a wide range of water conditions and pH levels. In fact, Java Fern is often referred to as the “immortal” or “unbreakable” plant due to its resilience.
Java Fern is an excellent plant for beginners, and it provides a wealth of beneficial properties to the aquarium. 3.
Why Do My Aquarium Plants Keep on Dying? As with any living organism, aquarium plants require certain environmental factors to thrive.
If you notice that your aquarium plants keep on dying, there may be several reasons for this. The wrong water temperature, incorrect lighting, or water parameters that do not match the requirements of the plant can all lead to plant death.
It is essential to research the specific requirements of each plant before adding them to your aquarium. Proper care and maintenance of your aquarium plants can greatly improve their longevity.
Aquarium plants are vital for maintaining a healthy and thriving aquatic environment. They provide a range of benefits, including oxygen production, natural filtration, stopping algae growth, and providing refuge for fish.
Easy-to-care-for carpeting plants such as Java Moss, Dwarf Sagittaria, Dwarf Hairgrass, Dwarf Baby Tears, Monte Carlo, and Christmas Moss can add an appealing layout to your aquarium. With proper care and maintenance, aquarium plants can enhance the beauty of your aquarium and create a healthy environment for your fish to thrive.
Remember to research each plant’s specific requirements before adding them to your aquarium to ensure their longevity.