Keeping plants tidy
In a healthy planted aquarium with good lighting and balanced nutrients, the plants should grow and propagate at a relatively fast rate. If left unchecked, an attractive display can quickly become a tangled mess of vegetation. To keep plants looking their best, they will need to be regularly trimmed and or older leaves must be removed to allow healthy, new ones to grow in their place. Stem plants will often continue to grow until they reach the surface, at which point they either grow...
An opentopped aquarium
The water surface of an aquarium without a hood can be used as an extension of the display. Floating plants and leaves produced above the water add an extra element. If the aquarium is large enough, you can also include bogwood and houseplants. An open-topped aquarium must be illuminated with pendant-type lighting. If plants are to grow on or above the water surface, allow enough space at least 18 in 45 cm between the light and the water surface so that the leaves do not overheat. For the same...
Nymphaea stellata
Common name Red and blue water lily Origin India Although sometimes sold as red tiger lotus Nymphaea lotus var. rubra this tropical lily has smaller, spade-shaped leaves and will grow more compact, sometimes creating a better effect in a well-planted aquarium than red tiger lotus. The leaves will grow up to 4.7 in 12 cm long and are a brownish pink to red in color. If the light source is not bright, the plant will produce larger 8 in 20 cm green floating leaves. As it ages it may die back...
Other Plants Of Interest Tce
Common name Bolivian swordplant Origin Brazil Maximum height 4.7 in 12 cm Growth rate Medium Area Foreground Light Bright Temperature 64 82 F 18-28'C Propagation From runners Difficulty 1, 2 This small plant has few demands and will do well in medium light, making it a good foreground alternative to similar, small, yet light-demanding foreground plants. The leaves are light green, 4-4.7 in 10-12 cm long and up to 0.4 in 1 cm wide. An individual plant will produce many leaves and runners,...
Azolla caroliniana
Water velvet is a small 0.8-1.2 in 2-3 cm diameter floating plant that can be used in tropical and unheated aquariums and even in outdoor ponds although in ponds it may die back in winter . In good conditions, the plant will spread rapidly and may need to be thinned regularly. It does not produce trailing roots, but will provide cover for some fish. In brighter lighting, the plant sports an attractive rusty red coloration. Provide adequate ventilation in the aquarium to prevent condensation on...
Other Plants Of Interest Ssq
Hygrophila corymboso Hygrophila corymbosa Hygrophila corymbosa The finely branched leaves of H. difformis are delicate and can quickly degenerate in poor aquarium conditions. Synonym Nomaphila stricta 'Glabra' Common name Broadleaf giant stricta Origin Asia Maximum height 20 in 50 cm Growth rate Fast Area Background, Midground Light Bright Temperature 72-82 F 22-28 C Propagation From cuttings and shoots Difficulty 1 This is one of the most adaptable hygrophilas and will do well in almost any...
Common name Giant ambulia Origin India Sri Lanka
Once established, this attractive, fine-leaved bushy plant is relatively easy to look after. Any difficulties you experience in keeping it can usually be attributed to changing conditions or the lack of a particular nutrient. A readily available source of Iron and fairly soft water with a pH of 6-7 are particularly important. In good conditions and strong lighting, the plant will grow rapidly, producing noticeable growth almost daily. Stronger light will also ensure that the leaves are thicker...
Shinnersia rivularis
The unusual leaf shape - similar to an oak leaf - makes this plant an interesting addition to the aquarium. The leaves are up to 2 in 5 cm long and a dark green color. In the aquarium the plant may grow rapidly and need regular thinning. Bright lighting will prevent the node distance between the leaves from becoming too large and keeps the plant compact. It will reach the surface and continue to grow under the water. Can be used out of water in a bog aquarium.
Algaeeating fish
The leaves of aquatic plants are ideal surfaces on which algae can grow and if such algae is not removed from large-leaved or slow-growing plants, it can hinder photosynthesis see pages 89-91 . Removing algae growth by hand is tricky and usually results in damage to the leaves, so you need to find an alternative method of dealing with it. Most types of algae have high levels of protein and are very nutritious, making them an ideal food source for fish. Not all fish will eat large amounts of...
Aponogeton boivinianus
The attractive crinkled leaf and large size of this plant make it an ideal specimen plant for the midground of a larger aquarium. In a heavily planted aquarium where there is competition for light and nutrients, A boivinianus may produce smaller and fewer leaves. The leaves are bright green and sometimes slightly transparent in places. Maximum height 16 in 40 cm , sometimes taller Growth rate Initially fast, but slows as the plant ages Area Midground, Specimen, or unusual Temperature 68-79 F...
Scavenging fish
Many fine-leaved, grasslike, foreground plants will trap debris between their leaves. In nature, this debris would be Above Although the popular red-tailed black shark Epalzeorhynchus bicolor can get quite large, it is a useful addition to a planted aquarium. This attractive, lively, and strikingly colored fish spends most of its time grazing algae from rocks and plant leaves. swept away by water currents and scavenging fish. Small scavenger fish can be introduced to a planted aquarium for the...
Plant diseases and poisoning
Plants are as susceptible to disease as any other complex living organism, but luckily, plant diseases in the aquarium are very rare except in one case cryptocoryne rot. Cryptocoryne rot is a disease that affects mostly the cryptocoryne family of plants. Its cause is not entirely understood, but it is often triggered by changes in environmental conditions. The symptoms include holes or perforated patches in the leaves, followed by a complete degradation of the leaf tissue, sometimes resulting...
Suitable Fish
Choose surface-dwelling fish for movement when seen from above. Floating plants and tiger lotus leaves provide cover for hatchetfish Carnegiella, Gasteropelecus and Thoracocharax spp. , livebearers, and gouramis. Small algae-eating fish, such as Otodnclus, will browse on the leaves of Echinodorus tenellus. Larger algae-eaters may damage the thin tiger lotus leaves. Small Corydoras catfish will remove debris from the smaller-leaved foreground plants. Tetras and small rasboras make good shoaling...
Hydrocotyle leucocephala
This plant is similar in appearance to Cardamine lyrata although the leaves are much larger, reaching 1.2-2 in 3-5 cm in diameter. It adapts to most aquarium conditions, although it does appreciate good lighting. The shoots quickly reach the surface, where the leaves spread rapidly, cutting out light to the aquarium. To prevent other plants from losing light, be sure to prune Brazilian pennywort regularly. It will also grow in damp bog conditions. Area Midground, Foreground, Floating, Specimen,...
Acorus gramineus Variegatus
Common name Variegated Japanese rush This tall, grassy plant produces numerous stiff, leathery leaves with a green base color and two or three white stripes along their entire length. The plant will survive up to a year submersed and grows in most rooting mediums. Potted plants produce thick, heavy roots that take nutrients directly from the water. In a reasonable substrate and with at least half the length of the leaf above water, the plant will spread by producing new shoots from the base. If...
Light Undemanding
Propagation Cuttings from side sprouts Propagation Cuttings from side sprouts The flexible leaves bend over to create a fountain effect in the aquarium. In this variety of 0. japonicus, the leaves grow up to 14 in 35 cm and are less rigid, but still bend back at the tips. The plant has a slightly messy appearance and is best placed in areas of water flow, where the leaves will create movement in the aquarium. It will survive for several months submerged and is hardy and undemanding. The...
Large fish and planteaters
There are many fish that cannot normally be kept with plants. Some of the larger characins are herbivorous and quickly consume plants aggressive cichlids also destroy plants, although this is a consequence of their territorial behavior, and not because they are searching for food and large barbs, such Above Keep gouramis such as these pearl, gold and opaline varieties, in groups to avoid dominant aggression from individuals. These larger fish are graceful and slow-moving and will not damage...
Nymphaea lotus var rubra
This color variety of the tiger lotus produces leaves that vary from a light green-red with reddish speckles to a darker green-brown with red speckles. It makes a good centerpiece and contrasts well with both tall, bushy, or small-leaved background plants and smaller foreground plants. Maximum height Will grow to the surface Growth rate Moderate to Fast Area Background, Midground Light Bright to Very Bright Temperature 72-82 F 22-28 C Propagation From daughter plants on runners Difficulty 2, 3
A
Acidic compounds 18 Aeration 74, 74 Air pump 36 Algae 11, 27, 44, 55, 57, 59, 63, 74, 76, 84, 85, 87, 88, 88, 89, 89, 90, 91, 91, 107, 109, 111, 118, 118, 119, 129, 134, 148, 176, 177 algal blooms 23, 63, 74, 88, 88, 89, 90, 91, 91 blanketweed 90 blue-green 90 brown 90, 91 brush 91, 91, 118 filamentous 89, 90, 90 hair 90 magnet 85 marine 62 pad 85, 89, 90 red 89 scraper 85, 91 single-celled 89, 90 thread 90 treatments 28, 88, 90, 91, 92 liquid 90 Alkaline substances 94 Allelopathy 88, 89...
Common name Dwarf hygrophila Origin India
A commonly available and popular aquarium plant that is tolerant and adaptable. The leaves are shorter 1.6 in 4 cm and narrower 0.4 in 1 cm than H. stricta and H. corymbosa and sport a light green, sometimes reddish-brown color. Regular pruning will keep the plant healthy. When it reaches toward the surface, the leaves become red and compact. Ideal conditions include strong lighting and an iron-rich, fine substrate.
Caladium bicolor
This attractive plant produces spade-shaped leaves on long stems above the water surface. Many leaf forms are available, but most have a white or red center and green edging. This plant is commonly available, both as an aquatic and terrestrial garden plant, but will survive fully submerged for only six to eight weeks. It is better used above water, with the roots trailing into the aquarium. If It is kept in its original pot It will stay healthy, but grow very slowly and produce shorter stems,...
Bacopa monnieri
Common name Dwarf bacopa, Baby tears This plant makes an ideal foreground plant for more open areas, where it can be kept short and compact with good lighting. The leaves are thick, oval, and roughly 0.8 in 2 cm long. In low light conditions, the plant will grow taller with wider spaces between the leaves, which can look messy and unattractive. Too much pruning will also create an untidy-looking plant. Dwarf bacopa is tolerant of water conditions, hardness, and substrate, but will look its best...
Rotala rotund folia
This small-leaved species has an attractive, delicate appearance and is ideal for planting in groups in the back or midground of the aquarium. Lighting should be relatively strong. Given bright light and sufficient nutrients, the leaves may change from an olive green to a pinkish color toward the top of the plant. Cuttings should be at least 4 in 10 cm long to ensure good growth. The plant is adaptable to moderate light and lower temperatures, although growth will be slowed. A few leaf shape...
Surface Swimmers For The Planted Aquarium
Betta spiendens Siamese fighting fish Carnegieiia strigata marbled hatchetfish Colisa ialia dwarf gourami Coiisa sota honey gourami Kryptopterus bicirrhis glass catfish Macropodus operculars paradisefish Poecilia reticulata guppy Poecilia sphenops molly Poecilia velifera sailfin molly Thoracocharax stellatus silver hatchetfish Trichopsis vittatus croaking gourami Xiphophorus maculatus platy Below Corydoras catfish are useful shoaling fish that will gently disturb the substrate in their constant...
Pistia stratiotes
Origin Tropical and subtropical areas This common floating species is available both as an aquarium and a pond plant. In the aquarium, the leaves are 1.2-1.6 in 3-4 cm long, but in an open environment they may reach up to 6 in 15 cm . The leaves are fleshy in appearance and have a covering of tiny hairs, giving them a velvety texture. Fine, trailing roots are produced below the surface and these provide good shade from lights and hiding places for smaller fish. The aquarium should be either...
Nymphoides aquatica
This unusual little plant gets its name from the banana-shaped root sections that are used by the plant to store nutrients. These should be left above the substrate the plant also produces normal roots that will bury themselves. The heart-shaped leaves on short stalks are 4-4.7 in 10-12 cm long. In shallow areas, the leaves will reach the surface and grow to 6 in 15 cm . The plant is relatively easy to care for but may have a limited life span in the aquarium. Area Midground, Foreground,...
Echinodorus parviflorus
Common name Black Amazon swordplant This adaptable and hardy Amazon swordplant is a popular, commonly available species. As the plant will reach only 10 in 25 cm in height, it is an ideal alternative to many of the larger Amazon swordplants when used in a smaller aquarium. The substrate should be fine and iron-enriched. Remove older leaves if they become tatty and covered with algae. This is the aquatic leaf form of E. tenellus, but many plants are sold with the terrestrial leaf form. Area...
Anubias gracilis
The spade-shaped 3.2-4.7 in 8-12 cm leaves and longer stalks give this anubias a much tidier appearance than smaller anubias, which may grow in seemingly random directions, but it is harder to care for than other anubias species. This plant does best when allowed to grow above the water surface and given plenty of nutrients. The substrate should be fairly loose and contain iron-rich fertilizer. In good conditions, this is an attractive and dominant plant that makes an excellent addition to any...
Suitable Fish Rld
The fast-flowing nature of the aquarium can be enhanced by the use of fast-moving, active fish species. Fish with a streamlined torpedo body shape long and thin are often from fast-flowing areas, as are algae-eaters with flat, compressed bodies. Midwater swimmers include White Cloud Mountain minnows, zebra and leopard danios, pearl danios, giant danios, glass catfish, and silver-tip tetras. Some smaller catfish will also do well in this aquarium a few interesting varieties include the striped...
A hardwater aquarium
Vallisneria asiatica var. biwaensis Hygrophila stricta Twisted, or corkscrew, vallisneria Thai stricta Tall plants along the back of the aquarium will begin to grow around the sides to create a frame for the aquascape. Using smaller foreground plants or suitable decor in front of them helps to break up the solid appearance they create. Cryptocoryne bottom and larger-grade toward the top wendtii will provide a good rooting medium. A layer of nutrient-rich substrate will boost plant growth....
Gymnocoronis spilanthoides
Common name Spadeleaf plant Origin South America This plant is often confused with Hygrophila corymbosa, although the leaves are fleshier and less rigid than those of H. corymbosa. The leaves of the spadeleaf can be up to 4.7-5.5 in 12-14 cm long, so allow adequate space between the stems when planting. New shoots will rapidly grow to the surface, where they may produce leaves above water. Airborne leaves are thinner, more robust, and jagged along the edges. The plant is relatively adaptable...
Cryptocoryne parva
Common name Tiny cryptocoryne Origin Sri Lanka This little plant will look very effective when used in groups along the foreground. With good growth, it is possible to achieve a lawn effect. However, the plant is not easy to care for unless you provide very good lighting, along with a reasonably good substrate. Well-established plants will spread relatively quickly through the production of daughter plants on runners. Can also be used as a bog or marsh plant. Area Foreground Light Very Bright...
Anaerobic Conditions Good
-4 substrate rich in organic material waste matter and nutrient-rich substrates will naturally contain large numbers of bacteria that break down these organics into usable nutrients. The majority of these bacteria quickly use up oxygen, with the result that the substrate becomes anaerobic. In anaerobic conditions, different types of bacteria form, which do not need to use large quantities of oxygen or can create their own oxygen. These anaerobic bacteria can release toxic gases, most notably...
Vallisneria tortifolia
Common name Twisted vallisneria, Dwarf vallisneria This smaller vallisneria can be used in the midground or foreground of the aquarium and will spread rapidly, producing numerous daughter plants from runners. The leaves may reach up to 10 in 25 cm in length, but usually only 6-8 in 15-20 cm in the aquarium. This undemanding and adaptable plant is ideal for smaller aquariums. Plant it in groups of six or more individual plants, leaving space for them to grow. Left At a closer glance, the tiny...
Common name Helzine
This compact, small-leaved plant will grow in a messy yet attractive fashion, and is best situated to the foreground of the aquarium in front of larger plants. Regular pruning will keep it tidy. The tiny 0.2 in 5 mm round leaves are numerous and light green in color. Although the plant needs very bright lighting when planted in the substrate, it can also be used as a floating plant and as a bog plant. Apart from good lighting, it has no special requirements.
Sagittaria subulata
Common name Needle sagittaria, Floating arrowhead Origin Coastal areas of Eastern United States There are several varieties of this very hardy plant that do well In most aquariums. They make ideal background plants. 5. subulata can be used in harder water and even In slightly brackish conditions. The leaves of this hardy Sagittaria subulata are less tidy than those of other Sagittaria spp., but the plant's robustness makes it a suitable alternative for aquariums with less than ideal conditions....
Fixing items
Many types of decor, such as lava rock or cork bark, can be used to create a three-dimensional background in the aquarium. An almost vertical rather than sloped background will need to be firmly fixed in place to prevent any rocks from falling and damaging the glass panels of the aquarium. Silicone sealant is ideal for fixing items to glass and to each other, although the items must be fixed whilst the aquarium is dry. A good method to use for creating a backdrop is to carry out a dry run first...
Hygrophila corymbosa
Hygrophila corymbosa, a very popular, readily available, and well-known aquarium plant, is highly adaptable and relatively fast growing. It is tolerant of a wide range of aquarium conditions, but may not do well in softer water. An ideal plant for any aquarium, it is not fussy about substrates or water quality. The plant can be grouped, but allow at least 2-2.4 in 5-6 cm between shoots. It looks best when well spaced the edges and corners of the aquarium. If the leaves begin to yellow, add more...
Bright
Metal-halide or mercury vapor lamps are still the ideal choice for these plants although in aquariums less than 18 in 45 cm deep, two or three fluorescent tubes with reflectors may be sufficient. If the plants are densely grouped together, use metal-halide or mercury vapor lamps if they are not and there is plenty of open space, then fluorescent tubes will be adequate. Alternanthera reineckii Anubias gracilis Aponogeton boivinianus Aponogeton crispus Aponogeton ulvaceus Aponogeton undulatus...
Rocks In A Planted Aquarium
The following inert rocks are safe to use coal, basalt, flint, granite, sandstone, quartz, slate, and lava rock. Rocks to avoid include chalk, limestone, marble, and tufa rock. Calcareous rocks are often brittle or porous in appearance and should not be used in a planted aquarium. Cobbles make good additions to the aquarium foreground. Once washed, coal is a striking rock that is safe to use in the aquarium. The difference between a well-planted aquarium and a stunning display aquarium lies in...
Mm
on these stores to survive harsh periods during the winter period and produce enough food to regrow when environmental conditions improve. Below Viewed from above, it is clear that the oval leaves of this cryptocoryne are arranged to be exposed to as much of the sky as possible, allowing each leaf to receive maximum light. Left Aquatic plants do not need a waxy cuticle layer to prevent drying out. This allows plants such as this Cabomba sp. to develop thinner and more complex leaf structures....
Specimen
Anubias barteri var. barteri Anubias barteri vai nana Anubias congensis Anubias gracilis Aponogeton boivinianus Aponogeton crispus Aponogeton elongatus Aponogeton madagascariensis Aponogeton ulvaceus Aponogeton undulatus Azolla filiculoides Bolbitis heudelotii Cardamine lyrata Crinum natans Cryptocoryne balansae Cryptocoryne siamensis Cryptocoryne undulata Echinodorus amazonicus Echinodorus bleheri Echinodorus cordifolius Echinodorus macrophyllus Echinodorus major Echinodorus osiris Echinodorus...
A coldwater aquarium
Gymnocoronis spilanthoides Spadeleaf plant Hydrocotyle verticillata Whorled umbrella plant Eleocharis parvula Dwarf hairgrass Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny Hydrocotyle verticillata Whorled umbrella plant Eleocharis parvula Dwarf hairgrass The greatest variety of commonly available aquarium plants originate from tropical waters. This is good news for the majority of fishkeepers who keep tropical freshwater fish, but not for those with coldwater aquariums. Well-planted coldwater aquariums...
Other Plants Of Interest Fjf
Origin Thailand Maximum height 4 in 10 cm Growth rate Medium Area Foreground, Specimen, or unusual Light Bright Temperature 77-82'F 25-28 C Propagation From runners Difficulty 2, 3 Use this small reddish brown-leaved cryptocoryne to contrast with green-leaved plants in the aquarium foreground. Additional substrate fertilization will help it to acclimatize and spread quickly. In good conditions, C. siamensis will produce numerous daughter plants through runners and create a dense group....
Preparing wood
Woods such as bamboo, brushwood, and cork bark will need preparing before use. Dry woods such as these may contain fungal spores and are prone to rotting when wet. If they are placed in the aquarium without prior treatment they quickly decay, producing bacterial blooms that will appear as a slimy film over the wood and or cloudy water. Fungal blooms normally white or Above To ensure that woods such as bamboo last longer underwater, they can be varnished using a clear polyurethane varnish....
Artificial aquarium propagation
Aquarium plants can also be propagated artificially by means of cuttings, and by dividing rhizomes and rootstocks. Cuttings All plants with a central stem supporting a number of leaves can be propagated by cuttings. Most stem plants sold either as bunches or potted up are simply top cuttings from established plants. Cuttings can be taken from both the top and middle stem sections, as well as from side shoots. However, the top section of a stem plant includes the growing point and a top cutting...
Suitable aquarium decor
These days, aquarists are faced with a wide range of rocks, wood, and other decor, but not all materials are suitable for a planted aquarium. When making a choice, it is often best to keep things simple and stick to, say, one or two types of rock, rather than crowd the aquarium with all manner of objects. All the decor should, of course, be bought and not collected from the wild. Clean it well before using it in the aquarium. water quality by releasing calcium and carbonates that raise the pH...
Algae
Many forms of algae grow in the aquarium environment and an algal bloom can quickly swamp plants, competing for light and nutrients, until the plants are choked to death. Not only do algae inhibit plant growth, but they also look unsightly and can release dangerous toxins into the water, affecting both plant and fish health. It is impossible to eradicate algae completely, because wherever there is water, light and a minimal supply of nutrients, algae will grow. However, it is possible to keep...
Allelopathy
Allelopathy describes the production of chemicals by an organism that adversely affect another organism and or advantageously affect itself. In the case of plants, these chemicals called allelochemlcals are often readily produced to inhibit the growth of other plants or algae, or to prevent animals from eating the plant. Plants depend heavily on allelochemicals because they are unable to defend themselves In a mobile way i.e., they cannot run, move, or fight in the traditional sense . In...
Placing plants in the aquarium
Cryptocoryne albida Cryptocoryne balansae Cryptocoryne beckettii Cryptocoryne ciliata Cryptocoryne cordata Cryptocoryne lutea Cryptocoryne moehlmannll Cryptocoryne pontederilfolia Cryptocoryne undulata Cryptocoryne walkeri Cryptocoryne wendtil Didiplis dlandra Echlnodorus amazonicus Echinodorus cordlfolius Echlnodorus horemanll Echinodorus opacus Echinodorus osiris Echinodorus parviflorus Echinodorus quadricostatus var. xlnguensis Echinodorus uruguayensis Egerla densa Eichhornia azurea...