Key points for growing your own aquatic plants

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    Other than the aesthetically pleasing benefits of a well decorated aquarium as explained in the section decorating your aquarium there are many benefits other benefits to growing and maintaining aquatic plants within your aquarium. A prime example as to why it is beneficial to grow your own aquatic plants is by maintaining the plants you are also providing your fish with a healthy, balanced environment. An article by Home Aquaria perfectly explains the four benefits as to why decorating your aquarium is the best option. 

     

    Now thoroughly convinced that acquatic plants are key feature for any fledgling aquarist you will find below some key points to remember when growing your own aquatic plants.


    Light 

    Correct lighting is paramount for the health and growth of all aquarium plants which absorbs the carbon-dioxide gases the fish breathes out.

    If there is too much light this will cause the appearance and growth of algae, and depending on the type of algae will turn the water within the aquarium green due to algae overgrowth. This can be hazardous for all the inhabitants of your aquarium. Too little lighting in an aquarium will result in living aquatic plants to die resulting in less absorption of carbon-dioxide gases produced by your aquariums inhabitants.

     

    CO2 

     
    CO2 is essential for maintaining and even increasing plant growth if properly managed. Carbon dioxide, much like oxygen, can be readily dissolved in water. Aquatic plants utilise dissolved carbon dioxide for photosynthesis much like any other plant. Artificial additionals such as gaseous and liquid Carbon dioxide can be added to increase growth of aquatic plants. This link can provide a further explanation to how CO2 supplements can assist with aquascaping.

     

    Fertiliser

     
    A reputable plant fertiliser is vital for a flourising fish community in an established aquarium. Although fish waste can provide nitrates and decaying fish food could provide phosphates for small aquariums with a low-tech set up any aquarist would not want to risk of nutrient deficiency we would strongly advice to use a fertiliser to ensure longetivity of our aquarium. 

     

    GH and PH 

     
     
    GH (general hardness) is not critical in the water parameters needed for good plant growth, pH is far more relevant and a pH that is too high will be detrimental to the plants well being, some plants such as elodea, Vallisneria will take a higher alkaline than plants such as cryptocoryne, amazon swords and similar. For a more detailed explaination regarding pH levels please refer to this link. 
     

     The substratum

    The substratum refers to the material that is used on the bottom of your aquarium in which the roots of your aquatic plants will hook to, take in nutrients and grow.  Other than a decorative piece for your aquarium having a substrastum has other benefits such as storing and supplying vital nutrients and minerals alongside being a home to beneficial bacteria. The type of substratum used should be taken into consideration, and is dependent on the water paraments of your aquarium; specifically freshwater or saltwater.