| Plants play an important role in aquarium life. They | | | | Live plants may be kept in aquariums alone or |
| help to absorb nitrites that are toxic to the fish. In | | | | with fish. The plants may even be used as a food |
| fact there are some plant only aquariums. There | | | | source for some species of omnivorous fish. At |
| are many different varieties of aquatic plants. | | | | the very least, they will provide shelter and a |
| Tubers are a type of plant that needs to be | | | | feeling of refuge for the fish. All plants require |
| anchored by the root to the bottom of the tank. | | | | some form of light in order to thrive through |
| They may be tied or simply buried underneath | | | | photosynthesis. Check the specifics on the types |
| the substrate in the bottom of the aquarium. | | | | of plants with your local retailer. Some plants will |
| There are also floating plants. As their name | | | | thrive on the waste put out by the fish in the |
| suggests they simply float in the tank they do | | | | aquarium, while others will require regular |
| not need to be anchored and will not usually | | | | fertilization. Again check with your supplier for |
| require fertilizer. The only regular care required is | | | | compatibility and feeding requirements. When |
| to make sure that water droplets are not | | | | purchasing plants, make sure that they are true |
| regularly deposited on the leaves, as this will | | | | aquatic plants. Live plants should be pruned |
| cause decay. | | | | weekly. Dead or broken leaves should be |
| Water lettuce and Lily pads are examples of | | | | removed daily. |
| floating plants. Rooted plants, like tubers need to | | | | A live plant aquarium will require the same basic |
| be anchored to the bottom of the tank. It is | | | | equipment needed for an aquarium containing fish. |
| suggested that the roots be tied to pieces of | | | | The basics are as follows. You will need a tank, |
| rock or wood. These species usually grow to be | | | | some sort of filtration system, lighting and some |
| fairly tall and will add length to an aquarium. When | | | | basic cleaning tools. The plants are fairly easy to |
| planting these, remember to allow plenty of room | | | | care for, but you do have to keep up with your |
| for growth. The roots will grow outwards and | | | | regular maintenance. Synthetic plants may be a |
| require additional space. Another type of aquatic | | | | good alternative to live plants, if you are not willing |
| plant is known as cuttings. These plants may be | | | | to make the investment in live plants. Faux plants |
| transplanted from other thriving plants, without | | | | have come a long way in recent years. So much |
| have to root them. Cuttings should be planted | | | | so, that your fish may not even notice the |
| individually. They will grow vertically and sprout | | | | difference. Whether you choose live or synthetic |
| shoots at the joints of the leaves. When these | | | | plants, they will add interest and life to any |
| shoots grow to be a couple of inches, it is time to | | | | aquarium. |
| cut them and plant them individually. | | | | |