Although many people are happy to use artificial plants in their aquariums we really like the look of live plants which also help to keep your tank in a healthy condition. Live plants provide oxygen for your fish, help to maintain water balance and many fish are happy to nibble on plants to supplement their diet. If you have live bearers in your tank plants will provide somewhere for them to hide from the other fish.
How to grow Aquarium Plants
Lighting Requirements
One of the most important considerations for healthy plants growth is to ensure they get enough light. All plants need light for photosynthesis and growth so you need to make sure you provide light of the correct wavelength, duration and intensity. Some plants require bright light, some more subdued light so make sure you check out the requirements of the plants you intend to grow before you buy your lighting system. A full spectrum fluorescent light will be fine for plants requiring bright lighting. Up to 2 1/2 watts for each gallon of water in your tank is the recommended intensity to use. You can buy fluorescent aquarium lights as ‘Daylight’ or ‘Cool White’ bulbs, both of which are suitable.
Aquarium Plants Substrate
The substrate that you are going to use for your plants needs to nourish them, provide anchorage but, most importantly not alter the balance of the water chemistry. There are many different substrate materials sold in aquarium shops. I like the Eco-Complete range as it provides a complete range of nutrients and I have found I can achieve good plant growth. It contains Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sulphur plus over 25 other elements plus live Heterotrophic bacteria to convert fish waste into food for your plants.
How deep should the aquarium substrate be?
You will need a deeper layer of substrate of at least three inches for deep rooted plants such as Cryptocoryne and Echinodorus or the plants will suffer from lack of nutrients and their roots tangled and damaged. For shallower rooted plants such as Hygrophila and Rotala you can have a shallower substrate of around two inches.
Adding the plants
Always clean the plants by rinsing under the tap before adding to your aquarium. This will remove any small predators. You should also remove any decaying plant material carefully. Place the plants in the substrate up to the junction of the leaves and stem. If you have bought plants in a bunch separate them carefully before planting. Place taller plants towards the back of the tank and shorter ones towards the front. Do not plants too densely as you need to leave room for growth.
Fertilise the plants regularly
Use a fertiliser specially made for aquariums and follow the instructions carefully.
Conclusion
A thriving planted aquarium is a beautiful sight and will provide a healthy environment for your tropical fish.

