Aquariums add aesthetics and energy to our living spaces with their colorful fish, stylish decorations and live plants. An important factor to consider when creating an ideal habitat for fish is live plants that simulate their natural habitat. Here, in this article, we cover everything you need to know about choosing the perfect live plant for your aquarium.
Aquarium plants are indispensable elements of every aquarium in terms of aesthetic beauty, biological balance and the welfare of living creatures. These creatures are known not only for their beauty, but also for their functional benefits, such as providing oxygen to aquatic creatures and improving water quality. Here are a variety of aquarium plants that will help you create a healthy, green and dynamic undersea ecosystem in your aquarium.
If you want to take your aquarium one step further and create a wider range of plants, you can find more plant species and detailed descriptions of these plants below.
The Role and Selection of Aquarium Plants
Aquarium plants are a natural way to provide oxygen to your fish and filter aquarium water. It also adds aesthetic appeal to your tank while creating a hiding and breeding area for fish. When choosing a plant, you should consider factors such as the types of fish you will keep, the size of the aquarium and the care needs of the plant.
Why Live Aquarium Plant?
Mimicking the fish's natural habitat and making them comfortable reveals the importance of live plants. Plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, improve water quality and provide hiding places for fish.
Plant Categories
Foreground Plants: They are located at the front of the aquarium and have high aesthetic value.
Background Plants: Adds visual depth by filling the back of the tank.
Bottom Plants: Provide a crawl space for fish at the bottom of the aquarium.
Popular Aquarium Plants and Care
Java Moss (Taxiphyllum Barbieri)
Java moss is one of the most popular aquarium plants. It is an easy-care and durable plant that we are used to seeing in almost every aquarium. It is resistant to low light and variable water conditions. It can be easily attached to any surface of the aquarium, roots and stones. It is a slow growing plant.
Anubias
Anubias are a hardy plant species that can survive even in shady environments and are available in a variety of sizes. Its growth rate is slow and it is easy to care for. It provides an ideal hiding place for fish. It is usually placed on rocks and roots. It is resistant to diseases.
Amazon Sword
Amazonian swordfish is known for its large and bright green leaves. It is perfect for medium to large sized aquariums and creates safe havens for fish. Vigorous, vibrant and easy to care for, it is an ideal background plant. It occupies a large area in the environment. It requires moderate care and requires plenty of light.
Cryptocoryne
Cryptocoryne is known for its various types and colors. It performs well even in low light conditions and its root systems are strong. These slow-growing plants are suitable for the front and middle areas of the aquarium. The adaptation process should be taken into consideration; It may initially tend to shed leaves.
Vallisneria
Vallisneria are a group of aquatic plants commonly known as “aquarium grasses.” These plants are famous for their rapid growth rate and long leaves that gently wave as if dancing in the water. Light and CO2 requirements are low and therefore easy to maintain. Ideal for creating a natural background in your aquarium. It can adapt to various water conditions.
Ludwigia Repens
Ludwigia Repens is a beautiful and colorful plant known for its red and green leaves. It has a high need for light and nutrients. The eye-catching color scheme adds aesthetic appeal to any aquarium.
Java Fern (Microsorum Pteropus)
Java Fern is another popular aquarium plant that thrives even in low light conditions. This slow-growing plant prefers to be attached to rocks and roots and is not planted in the ground. Its green, sturdy leaves decorate your aquarium. Requires minimal maintenance.
Cabomba
Cabomba is another stylish aquarium plant known for its thin and wavy leaves. It is light sensitive and retains its bright green color if it receives enough light. It provides excellent hiding places for aquatic creatures.
Route
Rotala is known for its thin and colorful leaves. The plant can develop a more intense color in high light conditions. Rotala offers an impressive appearance when positioned in the middle and background.
Bacopa
Bacopa is known for its thick and fleshy leaves that rise slowly towards the surface of the water. The plant grows best in moderate light conditions and provides a safe haven for aquatic creatures.
Duckweed (Lemna Minor)
It has small, green leaves that float freely on the surface. It multiplies rapidly and requires almost no maintenance.
Hygrophila
It has large, dark green leaves that grow rapidly. It has a good growth rate even in low light and nutrient conditions.
Care Tips
Live plants are sensitive to water temperature, light and nutrients. In general, the ideal water temperature for plants is 24 degrees and at least 5 hours of lighting per day is required. Weekly applications of liquid fertilizer are recommended to optimize plant health. Regular water changes and filtration are essential for the healthy growth of plants. Adequate light allows plants to photosynthesize and thrive. CO2 levels are also an important factor for the healthy growth of plants.
Benefits of Aquarium Plants
Plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis, and this is vital for aquatic creatures in the aquarium. It acts as a biological filter by improving the quality of water and reducing harmful components. Aquarium plants add aesthetic appeal with a variety of colors, textures and shapes.
Aquarium plants are frequently preferred by aquarium owners around the world because they are known for both their aesthetically appealing appearance and ease of care. Each one adds a different texture and color to your aquarium environment. When making your choice, remember to consider the conditions of your aquarium such as light, water temperature and pH level.
