Moss grows best with medium to bright light. [3] X Research source Mosses are often edible for fish. [4] X Research source You will still need to feed your fish, however. Not all fish will eat the moss. Another great option for the bottom and forefront of your tank is a plant called dwarf baby tears. This lush, leafy plant grows quickly like moss but it has a more shrub-like appearance. This plant grows best in bright light. [5] X Research source
Inspect the plants to make sure that they are free of snails, shrimp, and algae. [6] X Research source You can buy aquarium plants at a local pet shop or aquarium store. You can also find them online. Research the seller before you make a purchase to ensure that they have a reputation for clean, healthy plants.
You may also be able to acquire a cutting from someone you know who owns an aquarium.
Plants range from small 1 to 2 inches (2. 5 to 5. 1 cm) plants up to plants that fill the tank. Add figurines, rocks, and driftwood for a more interesting look. They will also provide a great place to tie down plants that do not need to be buried.
Some plants require a lot of extra light, so do your research before you make a selection. [10] X Research source It’s recommended that when you start out, stick to less than 2. 5 fluorescent watts per gallon unless you put a carbon dioxide system in place.
To treat with bleach, mix 1 part bleach into 19 parts water. Dip your plants for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on how sensitive your plants are. Thoroughly rinse the plants in fresh water before placing them in dechlorinated water. [14] X Research source To prevent snail infestations, dip your plants into saltwater after purchase. Mix 1 cup (0. 24 L) of aquarium or kosher salt into 1 gallon (3. 8 L) of water. Dip the plants for 15-20 seconds, keeping the roots above water. Be sure to rinse them off with clean fresh water before placing them in the tank. [15] X Research source After a week of quarantine, place them in the aquarium.
Seachem Flourite contains all of the necessary nutrients and comes in a variety of colors. Clays and laterite are good options for nutrients and can be less expensive. However, they often take more time to settle in the tank. Aqua Soil has good nutrients for plants but drops the pH of the water to 7. While this is optimal for plants, it can harm some fish. Check the pH requirements of your fish before choosing this substrate. Gravel alone will not nourish your plants. [16] X Research source
Make sure that you do not anchor one plant on top of another. [17] X Research source
Driftwood and lava rock are great options for tying down plants. [18] X Research source
Waste excreted by the fish will help feed your plants. [19] X Research source Resist the urge to add your fish early. Your tank needs to go through a process called “cycling,” where the water conditions stabilize and become safe for fish. Very few fish can survive before the water conditions have stabilized. [20] X Research source
As an alternative, you could choose slow-growing plants. [21] X Research source
When using your siphon, don’t use it in the plant bed or you could accidentally kill your plants. Instead, keep it above the substrate. Shrimp and catfish both feed on algae, so they could make a good addition to your tank, depending on the other fish you’ve chosen. [23] X Research source This is also called changing your water. Some people like to clean the entire tank every few months, but this can upset your tank’s ecosystem. It’s better to use filters and maintain a clean tank.
You can add fluorite directly into the substrate, which provides iron and nutrients for the plants. Root tabs are placed near the roots of the plants that need to be anchored beneath the substrate. They will continually fertilize your plants for 2 to 3 months. If you prefer a liquid fertilizer, you can add it to your tank once or twice a week. Liquid fertilizer is great for plants that are not rooted in the substrate, such as those tied to rocks. [24] X Research source A CO2 pump provides the plants with more CO2, which they absorb and convert to oxygen. If you have a high-light tank, it’s good to include more CO2 because light speeds up photosynthesis, meaning that your plants will convert CO2 to oxygen more quickly. [25] X Research source Monitor the CO2 levels and pH of the aquarium to maintain a good aquatic environment. CO2 and pH levels are linked mathematically, but you don’t have to be a math whiz to keep your plants and fish healthy. There are monitors that you can buy for a low cost that will test the water for you. Once you are able to monitor these levels, you can more easily regulate your aquarium to keep everything inside of it healthy![26] X Expert Source Doug LudemannAquarium Care Professional Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.
You can store the plants in the bucket indefinitely if they have clean water and proper lighting. Plants that must be rooted in the substrate will need to be anchored if they are stored long-term. When storing your plants, clean your water weekly.
