Aquariums provide an opportunity to create a serene and beautiful environment within your community space. However, many aquarium owners opt for plastic plants to reduce maintenance time and costs. While this may seem like a quick-fix solution, it is important to note that plastic plants not only look unnatural but also do not provide the same benefits as live plants.
Upgrade your community aquarium with live plants. Prepare the tank, choose suitable plants, and provide proper care. Enjoy the benefits of natural aesthetics, improved fish health, and a thriving ecosystem. Troubleshoot common issues for a rewarding transformation. Create an enchanting underwater oasis in just a few steps.
Why Switch to Live Plants?
Converting from plastic to live plants in a community aquarium can have many benefits. While plastic plants are low maintenance and long-lasting, they cannot provide the same benefits as live plants.
Improved Water Quality
Live plants can help to improve water quality in the aquarium by removing excess nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, from the water. They also produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, creating a more stable and healthy environment for fish and other aquatic creatures.
Natural Environment
Live plants can create a more natural environment for fish and other aquatic creatures. They provide hiding places and shelter, which reduces stress and improves the overall well-being of the fish. Live plants can also prevent algae growth by competing for nutrients and blocking out light.
Better Aesthetic
Live plants can provide a better aesthetic value than plastic plants. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, allowing for more creativity and customization in the aquascape. Live plants can also create a more dynamic and natural-looking environment, which enhances the beauty of the aquarium.
Reduces Maintenance
While live plants do require some maintenance, they can reduce the overall maintenance required for the aquarium. They can help to keep the water clean and clear, reducing the need for frequent water changes and chemical treatments. Live plants can also reduce the growth of algae, which means less cleaning and scrubbing of the tank walls and decorations.
Preparing the Aquarium for Live Plants
Preparing the Aquarium for Live Plants can be a fairly simple process. Before adding any plants, it is important to ensure that the aquarium is properly cycled and in good condition. The tank should have adequate filtration and lighting, and the water parameters should be tested regularly to ensure they are within an acceptable range.
The substrate and décor should also be chosen carefully, as some materials can contain trace amounts of copper or other substances that can be toxic to live plants. Aquarium soil or sand is often used as a substrate for rooted plants, while rocks and driftwood are good choices for aquarium décor.
Live plants require nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron to grow healthy and strong. These nutrients can be added through fertilizer tablets or liquid fertilizers that are placed on the substrate. Specialized substrates, such as Laterite, can also help to provide essential nutrients for live plants.
Selecting the Right Plants for Your Community Aquarium
Selecting the right plants for your community aquarium can be a challenging task. There are many factors to consider, such as lighting requirements, temperature, pH levels, and compatibility with other fish and aquatic creatures in the tank.
| Plant Name | Lighting Requirements | Temperature Range | pH Range | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anubias | Low to moderate | 72-82°F | 6.0-7.5 | Easy |
| Amazon Sword | Moderate to high | 72-82°F | 6.5-7.5 | Moderate |
| Java Fern | Low to moderate | 68-82°F | 6.0-7.5 | Easy |
| Cryptocoryne | Low to moderate | 72-82°F | 6.0-7.5 | Easy |
| Hornwort | Low to high | 60-80°F | 6.0-7.5 | Easy |
| Water Wisteria | Low to moderate | 72-82°F | 6.0-7.5 | Easy |
Anubias
Anubias is a popular plant for community aquariums due to its low maintenance requirements and compatibility with a wide range of fish. It prefers low to moderate lighting and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and pH levels. Anubias is an easy plant to care for and requires little attention.
Amazon Sword
Amazon Sword is a popular and widely available plant that can add a bold and beautiful look to your aquarium. It requires moderate to high lighting and prefers slightly acidic water with a pH between 6.5-7.5. Amazon Sword is a moderately difficult plant to care for and requires regular pruning and fertilization.
Java Fern
Java Fern is a low-maintenance plant that is ideal for beginners. It prefers low to moderate lighting and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and pH levels. Java Fern is an easy plant to care for and requires little attention.
Cryptocoryne
Cryptocoryne is a slow-growing, low-maintenance plant that is suitable for community aquariums. It prefers low to moderate lighting and can tolerate a range of temperatures and pH levels. Cryptocoryne is an easy plant to care for and requires little attention.
Hornwort
Hornwort is a fast-growing and hardy plant that is ideal for community aquariums. It prefers low to high lighting and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and pH levels. Hornwort is an easy plant to care for and requires regular pruning to prevent it from overtaking the tank.
Water Wisteria
Water Wisteria is a beautiful and versatile plant that can add a touch of elegance to your aquarium. It prefers low to moderate lighting and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and pH levels. Water Wisteria is an easy plant to care for and requires little attention.
Planting and Maintenance
Once the aquarium is properly set up for live plants, it’s time to choose which plants to include in the aquascape. Consider the size of the tank, water parameters, and other fish species that will be living in the aquarium when selecting plants.
Hardy, low-maintenance plants like Anubias or Java ferns are good choices for beginners. When planting live plants, it is important to keep in mind that some species prefer different depths of water.
Some rooted plants may do better when planted on substrate while floating plants should be placed at the surface. It is also important to note that overcrowding can cause issues with plant growth and health.
Benefits of Live Plants in a Community Aquarium
Live plants can add many benefits to a community aquarium. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the tank but also provide many other advantages. Here are the benefits of live plants in a community aquarium:
- Improved Water Quality: Live plants can help to remove excess nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, from the water. They absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, creating a more stable and healthy environment for fish and other aquatic creatures.
- Natural Environment: Live plants can create a more natural environment for fish and other aquatic creatures. They provide hiding places and shelter, which reduces stress and improves the overall well-being of the fish. Live plants can also prevent algae growth by competing for nutrients and blocking out light.
- Better Aesthetic: Live plants can provide a better aesthetic value than plastic plants. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, allowing for more creativity and customization in the aquascape. Live plants can also create a more dynamic and natural-looking environment, which enhances the beauty of the aquarium.
- Oxygenation: As mentioned earlier, live plants produce oxygen during photosynthesis. This means they can help to increase oxygen levels in the water, which is essential for the survival of fish and other aquatic creatures.
In conclusion
The decision to convert from plastic to live plants in a community aquarium can provide numerous benefits for both aquatic life and aquarium enthusiasts. Live plants not only create a more natural and aesthetically pleasing environment, but they also offer a range of functional purposes such as oxygenation and nutrient absorption.
Although the transition may require some extra effort and care, the rewards of a thriving aquatic environment are well worth it.
