- The quality of aquatic plants that are purchased is essential to their success in an aquarium. Younger plants have a better chance of adapting to a new environment and growing to their full potential. Older plants can easily go into shock and usually don't fare as well. Look at the leaves and stems to be sure they are uniform in color and free of disease. Also look at the root system; a healthy root system is a sign of a healthy plant.
- Fresh-water plants need fresh water to survive, and salt water plants must grow in salt water. Be sure that you are buying plants that are appropriate for your aquarium.
- Underwater plants do not all require the same conditions. Most aquatic plants require pH levels to be between 6 1/2 and 7 1/2 but some have a smaller variance tolerance. Be sure that the plants you purchase are right for the conditions in your tank. Most plants are comfortable at temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees F, but there are some aquatics that prefer cooler water temperatures, such as anacharis and Japanese dwarf rush.
- Lighting conditions must also be taken into consideration when planting aquatic plants. Most aquatic plants require about 10 to 12 hours of light per day. Many aquariums do not provide the intensity of light that is required and so can can promote slow growth or become pale and weak. Check with your plant supplier to find out if the light you have is strong enough.
- Some fish are constant grazers and should not be put into tanks where growing aquatic plant life is the main goal. Plecos, African cichlids, pacus, and silver dollars are some of these herbivores. Tetras, gouramis, rainbowfish, livebearers, and rasboras are excellent fish to have in tanks with live plants.
- Each species of plant will grow to different heights so the plant and aquarium industries have categorized plants into three types: foreground, mid-ground and background--the background plants being the tallest of the plants. When selecting plants, include some from each group and spread them around the tank for a more natural look.
- Do not use a bottom filter in your aquarium when planting aquatic plants. The filter removes nutrients in the bottom of the tank, which the plants need to survive. A bottom filter also encourages the growth of algae.
- Algae is present in all tanks. It grows when conditions are favorable for it's growth. Algae overgrowth is always caused by a surplus of phosphorus and nitrogen in the water. This is almost always due to too many fish for the amount of plants that are in the water. If you have a problem with algae, add some algae eating fish before adding any fresh plants. Once they have gotten the algae under control, plant the new plants and allow them to flourish.
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