Planted tank substrate is the “soil” at the bottom of the aquarium that many live plants need in order to grow roots and absorb nutrients. But with so many options to choose from, how can you tell which one is best? This article provides a basic foundation on aquarium substrates and how to pick the kind that’s right for you.
It’s a popular belief that African cichlids and live aquariums plants can never go together. But with the right stocking choices, plants can be an excellent means of blocking aggressive males and protecting young fry. Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to set up an eye-catching planted tank for your African cichlids.
One of the most common questions we get asked is “What light should I get for my planted aquarium?” The short answer is that it depends. To help you get started on your planted tank journey, let’s talk about three different lighting parameters and what they mean for beginner hobbyists.
Have you ever heard of the narrow-leafed sword plant that grows in a spiral? Meet the Vesuvius sword plant – also known as Echinodorus ‘Vesuvius.’ This unusual species is still relatively new to the aquarium hobby, but it’s easy to grow and has a striking appearance compared to other aquarium plants.
Aquarium plants are an amazing addition to nearly any fish tank. Not only are they beautiful and natural-looking, but they also help greatly with biological filtration and create a comfortable environment for your fish. Check out our top four tried-and-true tips for getting started with your first aquarium plants!
Have you ever seen this bizarre plant at your local pet store that looks like it’s growing a bunch of baby bananas? Say hello to the aquatic banana plant, also known as the banana lily or Nymphoides aquatica.
Do you lack a green thumb when it comes to keeping live aquarium plants? Or maybe you want to add a touch of nature to your betta fish tank without a lot of effort? Let me introduce you to the marimo moss ball.
When looking to add plants to a freshwater aquarium, there are endless choices. Color and shape are some important things to consider when trying to achieve the most pleasing look overall. One plant that is both beautiful and relatively simple to maintain, is the Red Tiger Lotus. With its broad, red leaves and interesting growth habits, it can certainly bring a new and stunning aesthetic to an aquarium.
If you don’t have a green thumb and are looking for a nearly indestructible plant, the Java Moss is for you! Java Moss is one of the easiest plants you will ever grow. This moss is hardy, versatile, and beautiful. You can be sure it will add a flash of green to your tank. You would have to work harder to kill this moss than you do to keep it alive!
Have you been wanting to change up your aquarium background to something unique? Perhaps it’s time to try a planted wall! A wall of plants is a great way to add extra foliage and shelter for your tank while giving your tank and an incredible and unique look.
Anubias and Java Fern are two excellent freshwater plant options for low light tanks. Unlike most freshwater plants, they can go in aquariums that feature African Cichlids or Goldfish. These two plant species are easy to care for and not demanding at all. You can leave them in the pot, attach them to driftwood, or, like we’re doing here in this week's blog, plant them on aquarium rocks. They’re the hardiest and easiest to work
If you don’t have a green thumb and are looking for a nearly indestructible plant, then Java Moss is for you! Java Moss is one of the easiest plants you will ever grow. This moss is hardy, versatile, and beautiful. You can be sure it will add a flash of green to your tank. You would have to work harder to kill this moss than you do to keep it alive!
Algae can become a natural problem in any tank. With the right amount of light and other factors, it can take over in no time, being both unsightly and potentially troublesome. There are many choices when it comes to getting algae under control, but having an algae eater, like shrimp, in the tank is one of the easiest and most efficient.
Lots of aquarists are drawn to planted aquariums. They are, of course, natural and beautiful to look at and they also provide a rich and healthy environment for the fish and other animals that live in them. A lot of times, however, newer aquarists especially, struggle with choosing the right plants for their planted aquarium. There are many things to consider when choosing plants that will yield the most successful results.
Hey guys, Cory here, I made a video a couple days ago about what is, in my opinion, the top 5 aquarium plants that are not only beautiful but very easy to grow.
Ever wonder how professionals and even advanced hobbyists make those gorgeous aquascapes bursting with plant life? It all comes down to having the three essentials that make aquatic plants happy:
Whether you've got a green thumb or are green with envy, you can have a planted aquascape that looks like a slice of nature. Don't worry, it won't be hard or expensive.
Over the past few years, there has been a great deal of interest in keeping dwarf shrimp in the home, usually planted, aquarium. Keeping dwarf shrimp is fun, rewarding, and beneficial to the planted tank; but a word of warning – once you get hooked on these interesting creatures it is hard not to want to explore the more exotic and usual varieties.
Java Fern is one of the world’s most widely used plants in planted aquariums. It slow growth, unique leaf structure, and reproduction method makes it an aquarium smash hit. Java Fern tolerates most lighting conditions and many environments – from soft acidic water to alkaline conditions, and even brackish tanks! It is also easy to find in most local fish stores; but if not, there is always some available on our website.
Whether you've got a green thumb or are green with envy, you can have a planted aquascape that looks like a slice of nature. Don't worry, it won't be hard or expensive.
