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Things to know about aquatic plants

 

Purpose:

Plants help regulate the aquarium ecosystem by removing harmful chemicals from the water

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Size:

They grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall Lifespan: They can live from 1 to 5 years

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Habitat:

Aquatic plants thrive in a tropical community aquarium

 

Did You Know:

Some fish species will eat plants or uproot them. However, most tropical community fish will not harm plants

 

How do I set up my aquarium for aquatic plants?

To grow properly, aquarium plants need 8 to 12 hours daily of simulated sunlight. Set up the aquarium near a power source (but out of the real sun). Then use a hood light on the tank to provide the rays.

 

The amount of light your aquarium will need depends on the size of of the tank. The table below shows how much lighting to install or equivalent LED.

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Tank SizeLighting

  • 10-gallon tank One 15-watt tube

  • 20-gallon tank One 30-watt tube, or two 15-watt tubes

  • 30-gallon tank Two 20-watt tubes

  • 40-gallon tank Two 30-watt tubes

  • 50-gallon tank Two 40-watt tubes

  • 85-gallon tank Three 40-watt tubes

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When considering plants for your tank, don’t choose so many that there isn’t enough room left over for the fish.

 

Layer the bottom of the aquarium with 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm) of aquarium gravel (that’s about 1½ pounds of gravel per gallon of water), or other substrate designed for plants.

 

Add aquarium-plant fertilizer according to the instructions on the label.

 

Fill the aquarium halfway with water.

 

Add plants. Bury them in the gravel up to the base of their stems. For bulbs and tubers, cover the bulb with gravel up to the growing tip.

 

Add fish furniture, rocks, thermometers and any other aquarium accessories.

 

Finish filling the tank with water.

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Where should I place plants in the aquarium?

Use foreground plants, which stay short, in the front of the tank.

 

Use middle-ground plants, which grow about 4 to 10 inches (10-25 cm) tall, along the sides and to leave an open swimming area near the centre of the aquarium.

 

Use the tallest plants to hide the aquarium’s filter tubes and heaters, against the back wall of the aquarium.

 

  • Shop aquarium plants & rocks

  • Shop aquarium hood lighting

  • Shop aquarium starter kits

 

How do I keep aquarium water clean?

  • For optimum water quality, change 10% of the water each week, or 25% each month.

  • Regular water changes not only prevent the undesirable accumulation of solid wastes, but also remove nitrates and other waste products of the fish and plants.

 

PetSmart offers free aquarium-water testing. Bring in a sample of your aquarium water and we can test the quality within minutes.

 

How do I keep aquatic plants healthy?

  • If you notice any of the signs described below, speak with a PetSmart store associate about the health of your plant:

  • Brown spots on leaves

  • Pale green to yellowish leaves

  • Plants cease to grow and die off

  • Rotting bulbs Algae in the aquarium

 

Take care when growing semi-aquatic (that is, not fully aquatic) plants in an aquarium. Semi-aquatic plants do best when their roots are submerged in the gravel underwater, but their tops grow above the water surface.

 

PET SAFETY TIPS

 

  • Thoroughly wash and rinse your hands before contact with your aquarium.

  • Aquatic animals and plants can transmit disease to humans.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water after interacting with your aquarium.

  • Children, pregnant women, elderly people and people with immunesystem problems should take extra care.

  • Adults should assist children with hand washing.

  • Keep aquatic plants and habitats away from food and areas where food is prepared.

  • Do not dispose of aquatic plants in the wild. They may harm the environment.

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