Selecting live plants for your aquarium depends on whether you will have a freshwater tank or a marine one. Some aquarium plants will thrive only in freshwater, while others are needed in the diets of some marine fish. Everything about an aquarium habitat affects other aspects of it. The type of fish you choose determines the volume of water and its salinity, as well as the types of live plants you include.
The Benefits of Live Aquarium Plants
The benefits of adding live plants to your aquarium are that they give the environment a natural looking appearance. The fish respond favorably to the more natural habitat, which helps keep them healthy. Additionally, live plants help oxygenate the water. They can even absorb nitrates, thus helping keep the whole system in balance.
Knowledge Helps in Selection
It is important that you learn about the aquarium plants you select, however. Some will live totally submersed only for a limited period, and then die. When that happens, the plants must be removed so that the rotting vegetation does not contaminate the tank water. In a marine aquarium, you are most likely choose either a sea grass or a macro algae. Unlike the sea grass, macro algae lack true roots. Instead of roots, the algae secure themselves with rhizomes or holdfasts with individual runners supporting the growth.
Some marine fish and invertebrates definitely need live plants in the aquarium habitat. There are fish that are not comfortable in open spaces, and so require vegetation as part of their environment. Others need plants as part of their diet. Considering all these aspects as you plan your aquarium will lead to a combination of fish and plants that will be healthy for the fish and a pleasure for you for a long time to come.
Getting Expert Help
Pay attention to the needs of your choice of fish, and then learn what you will need to do in order to maintain the plant-life in your tank. Don’t over-crowd the aquarium with vegetation. Seek advice from an expert about which specific plants will best serve the fish you intend to keep. Enjoy the graceful beauty of live plants in your aquarium, whether you choose freshwater or saltwater.