Aquatic Plants for Aquariums: Complete Guide for your Underwater Ecosystem

The aquatic plants They have gained increasing importance in aquariums, not only for their aesthetic contribution, but also for the ecological benefits they offer. These plants are not just decorative elements, but play a vital role within the aquarium ecosystemSome plants, such as Java moss or Amazon sword grass, besides beautifying the environment, help maintain the nitrogen cycle and improve water quality.

The main function of aquatic plants in an aquarium is twofold. On the one hand, they contribute to closing the cycle of nitrogen by absorbing nitrates and other wastes produced in the water. On the other hand, they release oxygen through photosynthesis, which is essential for the fish that inhabit these tanks. In addition, plants are often used as a refuge by many fish, especially smaller ones, which use them to hide from predators or to protect themselves in times of stress.

Factors to consider when purchasing aquatic plants

Before purchasing your first aquatic plants, it is important to consider several key factors to ensure their proper development and avoid problems in the aquarium.

• The pH of the water: Aquatic plants typically thrive best in a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, with the sweet spot at 7. If pH levels are not right, plants may have difficulty absorbing nutrients from the water and may die quickly.
• Water hardness: Water hardness refers to the amount of dissolved salts in the water, such as calcium and magnesium. Very hard water can hinder the growth of some plant species that prefer a softer environment. Medium hardness is recommended for most aquatic plants.
• Temperature: This is another crucial factor. Most aquatic plants thrive in temperatures between 22°C and 28°C, although some species can tolerate variations outside this range. Make sure you know the specific needs of each plant.
• Lighting: Plants need light for photosynthesis, so the quantity and quality of light is essential. LED lighting for aquariums It is an excellent option as it provides a full spectrum mimicking sunlight.
• Species de peces: It is important to consider what fish live in your aquarium. Some fish such as cichlids or goldfish tend to feed on the leaves of plants, which can seriously damage the water garden.

Suitable soil for aquatic plants

Soil, also known as substrate, is key to the proper development of aquatic plants as it is where essential nutrients are stored. When choosing a soil for your aquarium, there are several options:

• Gravel or sand substrates: They are suitable for aquariums without too many plants as they do not contain many nutrients. However, if you use these substrates, you will need to supplement them with liquid or tablet fertilizers that are placed near the roots of the plants.
• Nutrient substrates: They are ideal when you want to set up a planted aquarium. These soils contain a high amount of nutrients, allowing plants to root and grow quickly.
• Clay or laterite substrate: is another option to consider. Its iron-rich composition favors the development of plants, although it may be less suitable for aquariums with fish that tend to constantly stir up the soil.

If your aquarium is already set up and you don't want to change the substrate, you can use pellet or liquid fertilizers to ensure that the plants receive all the nutrients they need. Also, there are plants such as Java ferns or Anubias that do not require substrate, as they absorb their food mainly from the water column.

Types of aquatic plants for aquariums

There are several types of aquatic plants, each with its own characteristics. Depending on the layout you want for your aquarium, you can choose foreground, mid-background or background plants, and even floating plants. Here are the most common types:

• Foreground plants: These are plants that are usually located at the front of the aquarium and do not grow very tall. Examples of this type of plants include Java moss or Cryptocoryne Lutea. There are also carpet plants, which spread horizontally to create a green cover on the bottom of the aquarium.
• Mid-ground plants: These plants are usually taller and are placed in the center or sides of the tank, helping to give depth to the aquarium without taking up much swimming space. Examples are Anubias Barteri or Vallisneria.
• Background plants: They are the largest and are used in the back of the aquarium. They can grow quite tall, which helps create a sort of natural backdrop. The Amazon Sword is a good example of a background plant.
• Floating plants: As their name suggests, they float on the surface of the water and provide natural shade. A common example is duckweed.

Basic care for aquatic plants

Maintaining a planted aquarium is a simple task if you know the basic care of aquatic plants. Below are some essential guidelines to help your plants grow healthy and strong:

• Lighting: Plants need enough light to grow. As mentioned above, it is ideal to have a full spectrum LED light to simulate sunlight. Make sure that the plants receive at least 8 hours of light per day.
• Nutrients: You can add specific fertilizers for planted aquariums, in the form of tablets or liquids.
• Regular pruning: Aquatic plants, like any other plant, need to be pruned from time to time to prevent them from spreading more than necessary. It is also a way to keep uncontrolled growth in some species at bay.
• CO2 control: In some cases, adding a CO2 system can be beneficial for the growth of certain plants that require higher levels of this gas for their metabolism.

By following these basic care steps, your planted aquarium will not only be more attractive, but will also improve the health of the fish and the ecological balance of the water.

Aquatic plants are an ideal companion for your aquarium. They provide not only beauty, but also improvements in water quality and fish well-being. By following the necessary guidelines on plant care, you will have a sustainable and visually spectacular aquarium, wherede peces and plants coexist in harmony.