Today's article was contributed by Greg
Sowers. Greg is also the owner of www.fintastic.us, dealers of custom made fish
aquariums. Find Greg on Google as well: https://plus.google.com/105234131842259957366
How to Grow and
Care for Aquarium Plants
Have you ever wondered about the level of care involved in
growing aquarium plants? The fact is that various species of plants have varied
requirements when it comes to light. Doing research about the plants you are
interested in is of importance for this reason.
Light
Generally, plants in an aquarium need between half to one
fluorescent light watt per water liter. It is also common to use incandescent
light but in the long run you may save more by purchasing and installing
fluorescent light. Attempting to mimic the natural length of day in the plant
environment is recommended. Aquarium plants that are popular are usually
species that are tropical and need twelve light hours daily. For species that
are temperate, at least fourteen light hours per day is recommended in the
summer and ten hours in the winter should suffice. When you keep the aquarium
light on twenty four hours seven days a week, this could be a disturbance to
your fish and will aid the growth of algae.
Substrate
Plants in an aquarium need to be planted in pots or
substrate while others grow attached to driftwood and rocks. There are also
plants that grow in different fashion and those that float. If you want to keep
substrate for plants to grow in, select the kinds where the particles are
between one-and-a-half to three millimeters. Naturally, there are exceptions to
these rules but most are unable to tolerate substrate which is fine since the
roots are unable to handle conditions that are anaerobic with efficiency. It is
easier for water to circulate when particles are one-and-a-half millimeters or
larger.
Nutrients
Just like regular plants, aquarium plants need potassium,
phosphate and nitrogen. Other essential nutrients include zinc, nickel, iron and
boron. Besides these, trace elements are also necessary. If you are unable to
provide this, you might soon notice yellow leaves on your plants and stunted
growth. You can introduce nutrients to plants in your aquarium by buying
aquarium fertilizers for plants. Nutrients are also present in aquarium
substrate and potting soil, fish food, and fish excretion and in well as well
as tap water. Ensure that once you do introduce fertilizers, these need to be
balanced with carbon dioxide and light. Purchase special fertilizers for
aquarium because regular types contain excessive nitrogen which injures fish
and cause the growth of algae.
Buying Plants
Only purchase healthy-looking plants. Don’t buy those
where the fish seem less than healthy. Plants are able to bring microorganisms
with them and malicious ones may cause your fish to become infected. Sterilize
plants before introducing them into your aquarium. Use a solution of diluted
potassium permanganate for ten minutes to make them safe for your aquarium.
Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, their radio program, blog, and more at: http://brummet.ca * Support the Brummets by telling your friends, clicking those social networking buttons, or visiting the Brummet's Store - and help raise funds for charity as well!
Comments
Post a Comment
Thank you for your comment!
http://www.twitter.com/brummet
http://www.facebook.com/lillian.brummet
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ldbrummet