Who Gives A Fish Forums

I've been thinking about setting up a planted tank and I'd love to hear some thoughts from you guys. What are the essentials to get right once the basics are in place - I'm thinking lighting and ferts are key, but what's the best approach? Also, I've got a glass top on my tank - will that work with floating plants or is it best to remove it?

LIGHTING TIMES
Aquarium plants generally require a decent amount of light to thrive. Running the tank lights for just a couple of hours daily can hinder their growth. Insufficient wattage also poses a challenge. I recommend keeping the tank lights on for 10-12 hours daily.

If you notice an overgrowth of green algae, try reducing the lighting period by an hour and monitor the situation over the next two weeks. Conversely, if there's no green algae on the glass, you can increase the lighting period by an hour and observe the results. A small amount of algae usually indicates the lighting time is about right.

Some plants, like Ambulia, Hygrophila, and others, will close their leaves when they've received sufficient light. When you notice this, wait about an hour after the leaves have closed, then turn off the lights.

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TURNING LIGHTS ON AND OFF
Fish can experience stress when the tank lights come on in a dark room. Since they don't have eyelids, they can't tolerate sudden changes from darkness to bright light or vice versa.

To minimize this stress, open your curtains or turn on the room light at least 30 minutes before switching on the tank light in the morning. This allows for a gradual transition. At night, turn on the room light before turning off the tank light, then wait at least 30 minutes before turning off the room light. This helps the fish settle down for the night.

Try to maintain a consistent lighting schedule, and consider using a timer if possible.

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PLANT SELECTION
Some excellent plants to consider include Ambulia, Hygrophila polysperma, H. ruba/rubra, Elodia (though it's best to avoid it during winter), Hydrilla, common Zorchzon sword plant, narrow or twisted Vallis, and Water Sprite. The Water Sprite typically floats on the surface but can also be planted in the substrate. The other plants should be planted in the gravel.

Taller plants like Ambulia, H. polysperma, Elodia, Hydrilla, and Vallis do well along the back of the tank. Rotala macranda is a medium to tallish red plant that usually thrives. H. ruba/rubra is a medium-height plant that looks great on the sides.

Cryptocorynes are smaller to medium-sized plants that come in various colors and do well if they're healthy and undisturbed. Most Zorchzon sword plants can grow quite large and are often used as a centerpiece. There's also a pygmy chain sword plant that's perfect for the front of the tank.

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TRUE AQUATIC VS MARSH/TERRESTRIAL PLANTS
Many plants sold as aquarium plants are actually marsh plants that do well with their roots in water and the rest of the plant above water. Some marsh plants can also thrive underwater.

Hair grass and Anubias are not true aquatic plants. Marsh plants like Zorchzon sword plants, Cryptocorynes, Hygrophila sp, Rotala sp, Ludwigia sp, and Bacopa sp can do reasonably well underwater.

True aquatic plants, such as Ambulia, Cabomba, Hornwort, Elodia, Hydrilla, and Vallis, have soft, flexible stems with air bubbles that help them float. Marsh plants, on the other hand, have rigid stems and can remain upright when removed from water.

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IRON-BASED FERTILISER
Using an iron-based aquarium plant fertiliser can greatly benefit your plants. Liquid iron-based fertilisers tend to be more effective than tablet forms, although you can also push the tablets under the roots of plants for good results.

Use an iron test kit to monitor iron levels and maintain them at around 1mg/l (1ppm). I've had success with Sera Florena liquid plant fertiliser, but there are other brands available.

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CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
There's no need to add carbon dioxide until you've figured out the lighting and nutrient balance. Even then, CO2 is only necessary if your tank is densely planted and has few small fish.

Most aquariums already have sufficient CO2, produced by the fish and filter bacteria. Plants also release CO2 at night, and more CO2 enters the tank from the atmosphere.

Avoid using liquid CO2 supplements, as they contain toxic substances that can harm fish, shrimp, and snails.

Aquatic plants aren't as finicky as people make them out to be. They're pretty much like weeds - give 'em water, light, and they'll grow. Don't stress too much about fertilizers, the fish waste will do just fine. I mean, it's not like you need to add a ton of extra stuff. Just let the plants use the nutrients from the fish poo and they'll be golden. Trust me, growing plants in an aquarium isn't rocket science.