What you can do to maintain a healthy planted aquarium by selecting proper equipment and performing routine maintenance.
In many ways, aquarium plants are just like fish. They will not survive if you don’t give them routine care and attention. Plants that look dwarfed or sickly, are usually caused by the wrong choice of aquarium equipment or not knowing how to maintain ideal conditions for plant growth.
Aquarium Lighting
Live aquatic plants require an optimal supply of light. Make sure you use lighting that is designed for plant growth. Incandescent lighting is cheaper but it’s not effective in promoting plant growth. These bulbs generate heat and cause problems with regulating the water temperature in your tank.
Fluorescent bulbs are a better choice because they distribute the light more evenly and promote plant growth. They are more energy efficient and do not generate heat. The correct wattage for fluorescent light should be 1.5 to 3 watts per gallon of water. You also have to research the type of plants you are using to see if they require low, moderate or bright light.
Aquarium lights should be placed in or on top of a tight fitting lid. This prevents the loss of carbon dioxide which is essential to plant growth.
As your plants grow, prune them if they begin to block the lighting. Different plant species need to be pruned in a specific way so it is best to research on how to correctly trim them back. Too many floating plants also block the lights so they may need to be thinned out.
Aquarium Water Conditions
Water temperatures lower than 70F may cause tropical water plants to go into shock, so you want to try to keep your tank temperature to at least 72F.
The ideal PH balance for plants should be from 6.5 to 7.2 and hardness in a range from 4 to 12 DH.
Clean water in your aquarium is essential because it removes any debris from the tank that may block the lighting and it reduces the amount of nitrates produced by fish. High nitrate levels can harm both plants and fish. Water changes of at least 25% should be done on a regular basis.
Aquarium Filtration & Aeration
A good filter is required in order to remove floating debris that may block the lights or settle on the plants. There has to be a delicate balance of water flow. Too much will cause the loss of carbon dioxide. For plant photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is essential. A constant current will help prevent particles from falling on the plants and will evenly distribute nutrients throughout the tank. Coarse gravel is not the best for growing plants but it’s good for under gravel filters.
Too much aeration may cause a carbon dioxide deficiency so you may have to reduce the flow of air.
Fertilizing Aquarium Plants
Always buy a fertilizer that is specially prepared for aquatic plants and sold by a pet store. Follow the recommended dose because too much can harm your plants and your fish. Avoid fertilizers that contain phosphate or nitrate because these elements can cause algae problems.
By having the correct equipment and by keeping your water clean and in balance, you should be able to have a healthy planted aquarium.