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Some of the usual things that we add to aquariums, aside from the fish and water, are really necessary additions and not just for decoration. One example of those necessary items is the aquarium plant. Aquarium plants provide the necessary hiding spots for the fish to make them feel more comfortable.
There are two types of aquariums plants that you can put in your aquarium- real plants or fake plants. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. A careful study of both types will help you decide which is better for your aquarium.
Plastic plants are more durable and require very little maintenance. They only need the occasional cleaning with a brush. Plastic plants come in wonderful colors that are sometimes even more vibrant than real plants. Just remember to choose colors that will not stress your fish. Some fish will automatically adjust their color to blend in or to appear less conspicuous to avoid attracting predators.
Another kind of fake plant that you can buy is the silk plant. They are more realistic but admittedly, more expensive than plastic plants. Just be sure to buy those designed for aquarium use and not the ordinary craft store variety, which might be unsafe to put in aquariums.
Fresh plants are the most realistic, but they also require the most care. Like certain varieties of fish, certain varieties of plants require specific water temperatures or pH levels. Consider the needs of your fish, and then choose a compatible plant variety.
There are other more noteworthy benefits in choosing real plants over fake ones. They give out oxygen and use up nitrates in the water thereby maintaining some balance in the nitrogen cycle. They also provide for breeding grounds for some fish and can be the natural food source to some others.
All these advantages are sometimes overshadowed by the extra effort you have to put in to take care of fresh plants. Fresh plants require light for photosynthesis, the same way that your ordinary garden plants do. The amount of light will depend on what type of plants you have. You also need to take care of the fertilizer needs of some of them. They do not grow on just your ordinary plant fertilizer but with special aquarium type of fertilizer. Do not attempt to put ordinary fertilizer on them for they might kill not just the plants but the fish as well.
Unlike fake plants, cleaning fresh plants must be done in the aquarium where they are planted. Over time, dead and decaying leaves will accumulate on the bottom of your tank and will reduce water quality. You can prevent this by pruning the dying parts of your plant and by using a special product like EcoBio-Block. This product can provide the beneficial bacteria needed to convert the organic wastes, such as decaying plants, into safer by-products that will keep your water clean and healthy. With proper care and maintenance, real live plants will really give your aquarium the ideal natural habitat that your fish need.
