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Plants in a Fish Tank
A fish tank is an enclosure, such as a tank, pool, or bowl; that is used for keeping pet fish and/or other aquatic animals, for example crabs, mollusks, etc. Today, the word aquarium is commonly used for a fish tank, though aquarium also refers to a place for exhibiting live aquatic animals and plants to the public. A fish bowl is more specifically used to denote a transparent bowl for keeping live fish. A more specialized type of fish tank is the Marineland, which is used for featuring fish, particularly dolphins, for commercial exhibition. Whatever the kind of fish tank, one biotic component is an integral part of its environment: plants.
What Plants Do in a Fish Tank?
Live plants are an essential presence in every aquarium for many reasons. First, they add a natural and attractive look to the aquarium, and secondly, they provide the pet fish with a natural source of food. Presence of live plants reduces the growth of algae in the fish tank, but most importantly, live plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis and continuously add it to the water for the fish to breathe. Also, plants absorb wastes of the fish like exhaled carbon dioxide and ammonia; if allowed to accumulate in the tank water it can be hazardous for the fish’s health.
Keeping a Healthy Aquarium with Plants
Certain considerations need to be taken into account when letting live plants inhabit your home aquarium. The following points are important to consider:
* Only select those species of plants for your fish tank that can stay healthy while completely submerged.
* Make sure the plants you select are able to survive well in the existing lighting conditions and chemical nature of the tank water; most plants are suited to live in pH values 6.5-7.5. Also, check about the suitable temperature range for the plants you select.
* Certain plant types, like sagittaria, are fast growing and tolerant of even hard water; thus, they are ideal for the first inhabitants of the fish tank. More sensitive plants can be added later for keeping diversity and giving the aquarium a natural lush and attractive look.
* For visual effects, you can use a combination of plants of varying sizes so as to impart an impression of depth and contrast. Red plants, like ludwigia, bring a beautiful contrast against the natural green of other species.
* Plants with tall stems and those bearing adventitious roots need regular pruning so as to keep the other plants healthy against their overshadowing effects.
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