Aquarium Plants

Plants are a very important part of freshwater aquariums. It is better to take the trouble to choose the plants carefully and well cared for. Aquatic plants are not only pretty in the aquarium, but they are also good for fish. They give shade to fish, they will appreciate if they are shy. Some fish use plants as a nest for spawning. For fish feeding on plants they also serve food. Of course in some tanks, for example with a heavy eater of plants cichlids, plants are already doomed and it is better to choose plastic plants.
The water gardening is almost identical to normal gardening. Plants require good conditions and care. They make their food themselves in strange green cells by absorbing carbon dioxide and release oxygen in a process called photosynthesis. For this process light is needed.

Plant Nutrition:
Like terrestrial plants, aquatic plants need nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. They usually draw in the water, but some of them draw from the roots. In some plants the trace elements are more important than others. But give in to all plants. The best is to use micro-nutrients that are especially made for aquariums. Plants need iron to make chlorophyll, the green pigment that is essential for photosynthesis. Other elements such as copper and zinc are involved in other metabolic processes.

Carbon dioxide:
Carbon dioxide is part of photosynthesis and supports the optimal development of the plant. A bottle of carbon dioxide equipped with a regulator should keep the level of 5 to 12 mg / l. Higher levels can damage the liver of fish. Such dosing devices are based on those who are employed in the gardens of greenhouses. The metering devices are the simplest ones that can be placed manually and have more sophisticated bands measuring pH and they are even connected to a lighting circuit, so they stop with the light.

Light:
The plants still need plenty of light and their needs may increase in proportion to the length of the aquarium. The optimum power of light for maximum growth of plants should be 3-5 watts per 4.5 liters of water. An extended lighting time 12-16 hours helps growth, but may be too long for many tropical plants subequatorial. They may be adjusted to 12 hours of light, but the influence on plants is 10 hours. Some plants like a dimmer, especially Anubias that need to be planted near or under other plants.