AQUARIUMS

Basic Aquarium Plant Care

Most people who purchase an aquarium do so for it’s visual appeal. People are known to spend more money on decorating their tanks than the fish and tank itself. It’s a good idea when purchasing these decorative pieces that you consider buying pieces that are both gratifying to the eye, but also useful tools for the balance and maintenance of your tank.

Before resorting to plastic green pieces stuck into the gravel, consider using live plants. Aquatic plants are functional in many ways. Most importantly, the live plants will add oxygen to the water and will help to maintain the water chemistry. They also serve as a place where beneficial bacteria can colonize. This bacteria is essential to have and helps in breaking down waste products in the tank. Overall, the use of live plants aids keeping your Aquarium Clean and healthy while adding a perfect visual effect.

Once the decision to use live plants is made, you must familiarize yourself with how to grow and care for these plants. The key to growing healthy live plants is the balance between lighting and nutrients within the tank. It is best to use more lighting than what is included with standard hoods. The one bulb that comes with a hood is not enough to promote healthy plant growth. When adding extra lighting, be sure to compensate that with a nutrient supplement to stimulate plant growth and at the same time reduce the chance of algae build up. Algae eating fish will make a great addition. They will keep algae levels low and will not damage the live plants.

The decision to use live plants should be a primary one and steps need to be taken to prepare the tank for later use. It is suggested to add all your plants in the beginning and let them become established. By doing this, you will eliminate the chances algae utilizing the nutrients added and the extra lighting. Quick growing plants are recommended as well as some floating plants. Certain types of fish, such as a catfish, like to seek cover from direct light. The floating plants will provide this escape for the fish and will add a pleasing effect to the design and decoration of The Aquarium.

Once your plants are established and growing well, add the fish of your choice and enjoy a beautiful tank. While keeping live plants in the tank, it is important to care for them as you would any other plant. Always remove decaying leaves as they tend to drain the nutrients out of the healthy parts of the plant. Dying roots will rot beneath the gravel. Be sure to remove any part of the plant that is dying or appears diseased. Many plants that are seeded into the gravel will reproduce. The new plant growth can be removed and planted in another part of the aquarium. If you are using a live plant that is primarily a stem plant, try to remove the lower leaves. These low leaves tend to not get the amount of light needed to remain healthy.

The use of live plants will definitely help in creating a masterpiece aquarium that is pleasing to the eye and is a happy and healthy environment for your fish. Always remember to clean your aquarium on a regular basis and inspect plants weekly for decay. Scheduled maintenance is the key to keeping a beautiful and healthy aquarium.

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Algae Remover Cleaner Pad- 2 Pack $3.72 Algae Remover Aquarium Cleaning Pad Safely Removes Algae and Hard Water Deposits, Made of nontoxic, recycled material, this nonabrasive pad safely cleans any aquarium surface including glass, acrylic, plexiglas or plastic. Removes algae, water lines, salt residue and hard water deposits and is handy for cleaning plastic plants, ornamen , Before each use, wet the pad, then gently rub surfaces to be cleaned. Rinse pad with tap water after each use. Avoid getting sand or gravel on the pad as these will cause scratches to surfaces. Avoid extreme pressure as this may cause surface scratches.

Biorb Easy Plant Aquatic Topiary Moss (3 pack) $18.39 Biorb Easy Plant Aquatic Topiary is an eye catching alternative to traditional plants and suitable for any aquarium. These Aquatic Topiary are designed so the large orb fits neatly over a bubble tube if required. Rinse thoroughly before use Place smallest plants in front, larger in back It’s ok to mix real and plastic plants

Blue Ribbon Green Sword Plant Plastic Aquarium Plant, 5 W X 11 H $6.51 Blue Ribbon Green Sword Plant Plastic Aquarium PlantCreate a beautiful natural environment for your pet fish with the Blue Ribbon Green Sword Plant Plastic Aquarium Plant. A decorative way to fill out the front, corner and background areas while creating a natural environment for your tank. Your pet fish will love to hide and swim behind the plant leaves. This gravel- base plant anchors nicely in your aquarium. The soft plastic branches and leaves are sturdy enough to stand up on their own, but soft enough to sway in the water. A great way to create a true to nature setting with artificial versions of exotic, hard-to-maintain plants.

Blue Ribbon Large Black & Purple Pacifica Plant Plastic Aquarium Plant, 4.5 W X 12 H $3.38 Blue Ribbon Large Black & Purple Pacifica Plant Plastic Aquarium PlantCreate a beautiful natural environment for your pet fish with the Blue Ribbon Large Black & Purple Pacifica Plant Plastic Aquarium Plant. A decorative way to fill out the front, corner and background areas while creating a natural environment for your tank. Your pet fish will love to hide and swim behind the plant leaves. This gravel base plant anchors nicely in your aquarium. The soft plastic branches and leaves are sturdy enough to stand up on their own, but soft enough to sway in the water. A great way to create a true to nature setting with artificial versions of exotic, hard to maintain plants.

Blue Ribbon Large Red Bush Plant Plastic Aquarium Plant $3.79 Blue Ribbon Large Red Bush Plant Plastic Aquarium PlantCreate a beautiful natural environment for your pet fish with the Blue Ribbon Large Red Bush Plant Plastic Aquarium Plant. A decorative way to fill out the front, corner and background areas while creating a natural environment for your tank. Your pet fish will love to hide and swim behind the plant leaves. This gravel-base plant anchors nicely in your aquarium. The soft plastic branches and leaves are sturdy enough to stand up on their own, but soft enough to sway in the water. A great way to create a true to nature setting with artificial versions of exotic, hard-to-maintain plants.

Blue Ribbon Red Water Hair Grass Plastic Aquarium Plant, 5 W X 13 H $8.83 Blue Ribbon Red Water Hair Grass Plastic Aquarium PlantCreate a beautiful natural environment for your pet fish with the Blue Ribbon Red Water Hair Grass Plastic Aquarium Plant. A decorative way to fill out the front, corner and background areas while creating a natural environment for your tank. Your pet fish will love to hide and swim behind the plant leaves. This gravel base plant anchors nicely in your aquarium. The soft plastic branches and leaves are sturdy enough to stand up on their own, but soft enough to sway in the water. A great way to create a true to nature setting with artificial versions of exotic, hard to maintain plants.

Blue Ribbon Red Wild Mountain Plant Plastic Aquarium Plant, 6 W X 16 H $11.18 Blue Ribbon Red Wild Mountain Plant Plastic Aquarium PlantCreate a beautiful natural environment for your pet fish with the Blue Ribbon Red Wild Mountain Plant Plastic Aquarium Plant. A decorative way to fill out the front, corner and background areas while creating a natural environment for your tank. Your pet fish will love to hide and swim behind the plant leaves. This gravel base plant anchors nicely in your aquarium. The soft plastic branches and leaves are sturdy enough to stand up on their own, but soft enough to sway in the water. A great way to create a true to nature setting with artificial versions of exotic, hard to maintain plants.

Fancy Plants SeaGarden Aquarium Dcor Caulerpa Verticellata Plant $7.05 DQR1001: Features: -Aquarium plant. -Material: Silk, plastic, resin. -Available in wide selection of plants with lush silky leaves that sway in current wit. -Seagarden decor provides more comfortable and beautiful habitat in tank. -Dimensions: 1.5 H x 4 W x 4.5 D.

Fancy Plants SeaGarden Aquarium Dcor Halophila Engelmannii Plant $8.96 DQR1003: Seagarden plants are absolutely safe for all aquariums and are available in a wide variety of species, colors, shapes and si. Features: -Aquarium plant. -Material: Plastic. -Each is attached to weighted resin base. -You simply push into aquarium substrate to ensure drift free positioning. -Dimensions: 1.5 H x 5 W x 10 D.

Hubbard Scientific 9436 .5 Gal Study Aqu TerrTank Cover Set of 15 Bulk Pack $62.37 Youve got to love these individual Aquariums and Terrariums for your classrooms! The 1/2 Gallon is perfect for the single Chinese Fighting Fish or creatures of nature! The 1 Gallon makes a perfect terrarium for plants and 1 1/2 Gallon is a terrific aquarium for the Classroom. Best of all they are plastic and wont crack or break. The molded feet on the bottom keep from harming classroom furniture! Great Value and a good learning tool for all ages!

Imagine Gold Plastic Aqua. Plant W/ Rock Anchor Base – Cabomba 24 $11.87 Create a gorgeous, hassle-free aquatic garden with these realistic plastic Cabomba plants. Each plant is attached to a weighted resin-rock base that closely resembles natural rock. Simply push the plants into the aquarium gravel to ensure drift-free pla

Imagine Gold Plastic Aqua. Plant W/ Rock Anchor Base – Cardamine 24 $11.87 Create a gorgeous, hassle-free aquatic garden with these realistic plastic Cardamine plants. Each plant is attached to a weighted resin-rock base that closely resembles natural rock. Simply push the plants into the aquarium gravel to ensure drift-free p

Imagine Gold Plastic Aquarium Plant – Ambulia Green 4 $5.09 Create a gorgeous, hassle-free aquatic garden with these realistic plastic Ambulia plants. Each plant is attached to a weighted resin-rock base that closely resembles natural rock. Simply push the plants into the aquarium gravel to ensure drift-free pla

Imagine Gold Plastic Aquarium Plant – Ambulia Red 4 $5.09 Create a gorgeous, hassle-free aquatic garden with these realistic plastic Ambulia plants. Each plant is attached to a weighted resin-rock base that closely resembles natural rock. Simply push the plants into the aquarium gravel to ensure drift-free pla

Imagine Gold Plastic Aquarium Plant – Ludwidgia Red 4 $5.09 Aqua Gardens Artificial Ludwigia Plants by Imagine Gold: Decorative plastic aquarium plants with rock anchor base.

Jasco GE Color-Changing Night Light – LED – Plastic $12.9 LED color-changing night light with fluid aquarium design. The GE Color-Changing LED Night Light cycles through an array of colors: red, blue, green and multi, creating a unique color display all night long. The energy efficient LED night light automatically turns on/off using a light detection sensor and features an aquarium design complete with decorative plastic fish and aquarium plants floating in a fluid-filled tank. The use of LED technology ensures there are no bulbs to replace and the sleek design does not block use of the second electrical outlet.

Jungle algae pad with handle $6.55 Safely Removes Algae and Hard Water Deposits andbull;Made of nontoxic recycled material this nonabrasive pad safely cleans any aquarium surface including glass acrylic plexiglas or plastic. Removes algae water lines salt residue and hard water deposits and is handy for cleaning plastic plants ornaments filters hoods frames stands and other aquarium accessories. andbull;Details Before each use wet the pad then gently rub surfaces to be cleaned. Rinse pad with tap water after each use. Avoid getting sand or gravel on the pad as these will cause scratches to surfaces. Avoid extreme pressure as this may cause surface scratches or glass to break. Do not use on dry surfaces. andbull;Mfg. Item No. Size andbull;NJ720 pad with handle 18 andbull; Other sizes available 3 X 5 X 1 thick pad

Marina Amazon Sword Plant Decoration – Size: Jumbo (4.2 H x 8.5 W x 15.2 D) $17.7 Pictured in Jumbo – HGE2138: Features: -Plant decoration.-For aquatic environments.-Easy and secure placement.-Undulate with currents.-Design very own aquatic paradise with authentic, realistic-looking plastic plants, all molded after the real thing.-Safe for all aquarium occupants. Options: -Available in Large and Jumbo sizes. Color/Finish: -Natural-looking translucent colors can’t fade.-Add some lush, colorful landscape to aquarium.-Provides fish with a fun and colorful environment to live in. Dimensions: -Large dimensions: 3.5” H x 7” W x 12.5” D.-Jumbo dimensions: 4.2” H x 8.5” W x 15.2” D. Collection: -Marina collection.

Marina Amazon Sword Plant Decoration – Size: Large (3.5 H x 7 W x 12.5 D) $12.96 Pictured in Jumbo – HGE2138: Features: -Plant decoration.-For aquatic environments.-Easy and secure placement.-Undulate with currents.-Design very own aquatic paradise with authentic, realistic-looking plastic plants, all molded after the real thing.-Safe for all aquarium occupants. Options: -Available in Large and Jumbo sizes. Color/Finish: -Natural-looking translucent colors can’t fade.-Add some lush, colorful landscape to aquarium.-Provides fish with a fun and colorful environment to live in. Dimensions: -Large dimensions: 3.5” H x 7” W x 12.5” D.-Jumbo dimensions: 4.2” H x 8.5” W x 15.2” D. Collection: -Marina collection.

New SpongeBob Living Room Aquarium Kit (Set of 2) $93.98 PLX1181: Features: -Aquarium kit. Includes: -Includes: 4 gallon tank, opening lid, background, 2 plastic plants, aerating SpongeBob ornament, gravel and UL / 110V internal filter. Assembly Instructions: -Assembly required. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 10” H x 15.88” W x 11” D.

Plastic Aquarium Plant with Rock Anchor Base – Ambulia Red 6- 2 Pack $4.26 Plastic aquarium plants, packaged in blister pack, rock anchor base.

Plastic Aquarium Plant with Rock Anchor Base – Cardamine 12 $6.6 Plastic aquarium plants, packaged in blister pack, rock anchor base.

Plastic Aquarium Plant with Rock Anchor Base – Cardamine 15 $7.9 Plastic aquarium plants, packaged in blister pack, rock anchor base.

Plastic Aquarium Plant with Rock Anchor Base – Cardamine 18 $9.17 Plastic aquarium plants, packaged in blister pack, rock anchor base.

Plastic Aquarium Plant with Rock Anchor Base – Cardamine 6- 2 Pack $4.26 Plastic aquarium plants, packaged in blister pack, rock anchor base.

Plastic Aquarium Plant with Rock Anchor Base – Cardamine 9- 2 Pack $4.89 Plastic aquarium plants, packaged in blister pack, rock anchor base.

RC Hagen PP193 Marina Hygropphila Diformis, 12 in. silk decorative plant $20 Let the Marina EcoScaper Silk Hygropphila Diformis Plant add some lush, colorful landscape to your aquarium. Design your very own aquatic paradise with authentic, realistic-looking plastic plants, all molded after the real thing. Choose from a variety of styles and colors so you can customize your own stunning aquarium display. Your fish will love them, too!. The Marina EcoScaper Silk Hygropphila Diformis Plant Features and Benefits:. – Easy placement. – True to nature design. – Undulate with currents. – Natural-looking translucent colors can’t fade. – Completely safe for all aquarium occupants. 5 length x 2 width x 12 height

SpongeBob Jellyfish Fields Aquarium Kit $66.99 PLX1040: Features: -6 gallons tank. Includes: -Includes: tank with easy opening lid, SpongeBob with Jellyfish ornament, colorful background, 2 plastic plants, gravel and UL / 110v Internal filter.

SpongeBob Square Tank Aquarium Kit $51.99 PLX1039: Features: -4 gallon plastic aquarium. Includes: -Includes: Aerating SpongeBob ornament, colorful aquarium background, 2 plastic plants, gravel, air pump, UL / 110v Internal flter.

Water Wonders 12 Hairgrass Plant- 2 Pack $1.95 Tetra Water Wonders FW Plant Hairgrass 12 The graceful beauty of underwater plants adds the finishing touch to any aquarium. WaterWonders Decorative Plants are specially designed for ease of installation and long-lasting beauty. Each WaterWonders Plant includes a plastic anchor base that can be buried in the gravel to secure the plant. The Easy-Connect feature allows the plants to be removed from the plastic anchor and connected to other products.

Water Wonders 12 Red Ludwigia Plant- 2 Pack $1.97 Tetra Water Wonders FW Plant Red Ludwigia 12 The graceful beauty of underwater plants adds the finishing touch to any aquarium. WaterWonders Decorative Plants are specially designed for ease of installation and long-lasting beauty. Each WaterWonders Plant includes a plastic anchor base that can be buried in the gravel to secure the plant. The Easy-Connect feature allows the plants to be removed from the plastic anchor and connected to other products.

Water Wonders 18 Ambulia Plant $3.55 Tetra Water Wonders FW Plant Ambulia 18 The graceful beauty of underwater plants adds the finishing touch to any aquarium. WaterWonders Decorative Plants are specially designed for ease of installation and long-lasting beauty. Each WaterWonders Plant includes a plastic anchor base that can be buried in the gravel to secure the plant. The Easy-Connect feature allows the plants to be removed from the plastic anchor and connected to other products.

Water Wonders 18 Anacharis Plant $3.52 Tetra Water Wonders FW Plant Anacharis 18 The graceful beauty of underwater plants adds the finishing touch to any aquarium. WaterWonders Decorative Plants are specially designed for ease of installation and long-lasting beauty. Each WaterWonders Plant includes a plastic anchor base that can be buried in the gravel to secure the plant. The Easy-Connect feature allows the plants to be removed from the plastic anchor and connected to other products.

Water Wonders 9 Hair Grass Plant- 2 Pack $1.37 Tetra Water Wonders FW Plant Hairgrass 9 The graceful beauty of underwater plants adds the finishing touch to any aquarium. WaterWonders Decorative Plants are specially designed for ease of installation and long-lasting beauty. Each WaterWonders Plant includes a plastic anchor base that can be buried in the gravel to secure the plant. The Easy-Connect feature allows the plants to be removed from the plastic anchor and connected to other products.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, September 29th, 2011 at 4:43 pm and is filed under Aquariums. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.