The substrate
Since the substrate forms the anchor and growing medium for plant roots, it is vital to choose a material, or combination of materials, that will not only sustain the plants both mechanically and nutritionally, but also look attractive as part of the tank decor. Here, we consider the options available for successful plant growth. Gravel is the universal substrate in aquarium circles. It can be used as the sole substrate in planted aquariums, although it is best employed as a top layer covering...
Classification of plants
Plants are living organisms and as such have a complicated structure and metabolism. Each and every species has evolved over millions of years in particular habitats to which they have become adapted. Every individual niche in the environment has its own unique set of conditions and variables. It is therefore not surprising that the plants in our aquarium, having been uprooted from their home in a tropical stream, have problems in surviving in a home aquarium. Of course we do our best to...
Aquarium Plants
Above In too little light, the same plant is pale green and shows elongated growth between nodes. glare of the sun absorb surprisingly high lux levels. The table on page 22 lists the lux requirements of a representative selection of aquarium plants, plus some land plants for comparison. Fortunately, most aquarium plants have similar requirements and or are adaptable within a specific range. Thus, it is usually possible to grow different species with varying lighting needs Above Too much light...
Aquascaping
When you are furnishing and planting an aquarium - a pursuit appropriately known as 'aquascaping' - yourfirst considerations must centre around the position of the tank in the room and its size and accessibility. Most aquariums are viewed from the front and sides only, with the back against a wall. As a variation on this theme, the tank can be let into a wall or partition, with only the front panel exposed. Alternatively, used as a room divider, an aquarium may have the two long sides and one...