In this episode of Aquarist's Edge, hosted by Arthur Preston, dive into the world of planted aquariums. Discover why live plants are more than just decoration
The episode also tackles the subject of carbon dioxide: when it's necessary, how to implement it, and how it can vastly improve plant health and reduce algae. Learn about the importance of substrate and how it supports plant growth, along with practical tips on choosing the right soil, gravel, or sand for your setup.
Arthur wraps up with a section on frequently asked questions to resolve common concerns about plant maintenance, ensuring both thriving flora and fauna in your home aquarium.
00:00:00 --> 00:00:06 Welcome to this episode of the Aquarist's Edge, a podcast for home aquarists just like you.
00:00:06 --> 00:00:10 Learn more about how to keep a thriving aquarium and discover ideas and tips
00:00:10 --> 00:00:12 to give your aquarium the edge.
00:00:12 --> 00:00:15 And now, over to our host, Arthur Preston.
00:00:18 --> 00:00:24 Planted tanks are just better. I know some might disagree, particularly those
00:00:24 --> 00:00:28 who are just holding fish for sale, But I really believe that a planted tank
00:00:28 --> 00:00:30 brings the best out of our fish.
00:00:30 --> 00:00:35 It creates a great aesthetic and it just really makes the career in keeping hobby better.
00:00:35 --> 00:00:39 So in today's episode, I'm going to share with you the importance of live plants,
00:00:39 --> 00:00:43 talk a little bit about some plants you could put into your tank,
00:00:43 --> 00:00:48 talk a bit about CO2 and then perhaps answer some frequently asked questions
00:00:48 --> 00:00:50 that people have about keeping planted tanks.
00:00:51 --> 00:00:55 Now, we'll start by looking at why even put plants in your tank.
00:00:55 --> 00:00:59 What's the big deal about plants? Why do you need them at all?
00:00:59 --> 00:01:04 Well, plants absorb carbon dioxide, and they release oxygen during photosynthesis.
00:01:04 --> 00:01:07 This, of course, creates a healthier environment for your fish.
00:01:08 --> 00:01:11 In densely stocked tanks where oxygen levels can quickly deplete,
00:01:11 --> 00:01:14 this process is absolutely vital.
00:01:14 --> 00:01:18 If you think about it, in nature, fish swim among dense vegetation that gives
00:01:18 --> 00:01:22 them fresh oxygenated water on a regular basis, in fact, all the time.
00:01:22 --> 00:01:26 But without this in our tanks, we risk creating a less hospitable environment.
00:01:27 --> 00:01:31 On top of this, life-class provides essential shelter and breeding ground for fish.
00:01:32 --> 00:01:35 Many species feel more secure when they have places to hide or to spawn,
00:01:35 --> 00:01:38 and this can reduce stress and promote natural behaviours.
00:01:39 --> 00:01:41 But there's more to it than simply aesthetics.
00:01:42 --> 00:01:46 Studies have shown that fish kept in planted tanks show less aggression and
00:01:46 --> 00:01:50 stress-related behaviours, compared to those in blank, barren tanks.
00:01:51 --> 00:01:56 So at the end of the day, it should be clear now that live plants mean healthier fish.
00:01:58 --> 00:02:01 Now that we understand why plants are important, let's look at the different
00:02:01 --> 00:02:03 categories of plants you could put into your tank.
00:02:03 --> 00:02:07 And I'm going to divide this into four sections.
00:02:07 --> 00:02:12 The foreground plants, the midground plants, the background plants and the floating
00:02:12 --> 00:02:14 plants. So let's start with the foreground.
00:02:15 --> 00:02:18 These are always nice to have in your tank because they create a bit of a carpet
00:02:18 --> 00:02:19 effect at the front of your aquarium.
00:02:20 --> 00:02:24 A popular choice here is dwarf hair grass. It grows to about 5 to 10 cm tall
00:02:24 --> 00:02:26 and forms a beautiful green carpet.
00:02:26 --> 00:02:30 It grows best in a substrate that is full of nutrients and requires moderate
00:02:30 --> 00:02:34 to high lighting along with a bit of CO2 supplementation for optimal growth.
00:02:35 --> 00:02:39 Another great option for this is the Anubias nana, which stays nice and small
00:02:39 --> 00:02:41 and can thrive in low-light conditions.
00:02:42 --> 00:02:44 This clan grows to about 10 cm
00:02:44 --> 00:02:48 to 15 cm tall and is perfect for beginners because it's extremely hardy.
00:02:48 --> 00:02:52 Anubias is also very versatile. You can attach it to rocks or to driftwood,
00:02:53 --> 00:02:55 giving you lots of freedom in your aquascaping.
00:02:56 --> 00:02:59 And then let's move to the mid-ground of your tank, your mid-ground plants.
00:03:00 --> 00:03:05 These plants add depth and interest to your tank without overshadowing your foreground species.
00:03:06 --> 00:03:10 Java fern is an excellent choice here. It grows to about 30 centimetres tall
00:03:10 --> 00:03:12 and does well in various lighting.
00:03:13 --> 00:03:18 Remember to attach it to rocks or driftwood. Don't bury the rhizome because it will then rot.
00:03:18 --> 00:03:23 The other great option here is Cryptocorin wentii or any of the crypts.
00:03:23 --> 00:03:27 It's a fantastic mid-ground plant. and crips come in different colours from
00:03:27 --> 00:03:32 a deep green to a reddish brown which adds some real striking colours in the planting of your tank.
00:03:33 --> 00:03:35 These also grow to about 15 to 20 centimetres high.
00:03:36 --> 00:03:41 Crips can be a bit temperamental initially. Some varieties can melt or look
00:03:41 --> 00:03:44 like they are dying in your tank when introduced to a new environment but they
00:03:44 --> 00:03:46 often bounce back with proper care.
00:03:47 --> 00:03:51 For the back of your aquarium you should consider taller plants such as water wisteria.
00:03:52 --> 00:03:56 These can grow to about 50 centimetres tall and give excellent cover for fish.
00:03:56 --> 00:03:59 It's easy to care for them and they can thrive in moderate lighting.
00:04:00 --> 00:04:06 Another great background option is Wigia repens, which adds vibrant red under optimal conditions.
00:04:06 --> 00:04:11 These plants can get to heights of over 30 centimetres and to achieve the best
00:04:11 --> 00:04:15 out of these plants, you need high output lighting with regular fertilisation.
00:04:15 --> 00:04:20 Wigia not only enhances visual appeal, but also serves as a fantastic natural
00:04:20 --> 00:04:23 filter by absorbing excess nutrients from the water.
00:04:25 --> 00:04:28 And then, of course, we get to floating plants. Now, don't overlook these.
00:04:28 --> 00:04:32 These can provide shade and help produce life penetration, which,
00:04:32 --> 00:04:33 of course, inhibits algae growth.
00:04:34 --> 00:04:38 Now, just one caution here. Some of the floating plants that are available are
00:04:38 --> 00:04:39 not to be sold by fish shops.
00:04:40 --> 00:04:44 They might be handed from hobbyist to hobbyist, but many of them are quite invasive.
00:04:44 --> 00:04:48 And so just do your homework before putting these into your tank or buying them
00:04:48 --> 00:04:49 or getting them from another hobbyist.
00:04:49 --> 00:04:53 But there are great ones. And of course, one that is well known to many people
00:04:53 --> 00:04:57 is the good old duckweed, which some people see as a pest, other people see
00:04:57 --> 00:04:58 as a fantastic fish food,
00:04:59 --> 00:05:04 others see as just serving a role in the tank to provide shade and to help with
00:05:04 --> 00:05:07 removing excess from the water.
00:05:08 --> 00:05:11 Duckweed is one of those plants that once it's in your aquarium,
00:05:11 --> 00:05:16 it's very hard to get rid of, but there are fish that will eat it and it can
00:05:16 --> 00:05:19 certainly be a fantastic protein rich fish food.
00:05:21 --> 00:05:24 The other nice thing about floating plants is that they are excellent at reducing
00:05:24 --> 00:05:29 surface agitation of the water, which helps to maintain the CO2 levels in the water column.
00:05:31 --> 00:05:35 So let's talk about CO2. Do we actually need it?
00:05:37 --> 00:05:42 So I want you to think of your plants as tiny solar panels, soaking up the light
00:05:42 --> 00:05:44 and converting it into energy through photosynthesis.
00:05:45 --> 00:05:50 CO2 is essential for this process, but many beginners overlook the importance of it.
00:05:50 --> 00:05:54 In nature, aquatic plants benefit from high concentrations of CO2 compared to
00:05:54 --> 00:05:58 what we typically find in our home aquariums, usually at around 3 to 7 parts
00:05:58 --> 00:06:03 per million, against the natural levels that can reach up to 30 parts per million or more.
00:06:03 --> 00:06:08 Without sufficient carbon dioxide, plants may show stunted growth or pale leaves
00:06:08 --> 00:06:10 as they struggle to photosynthesize effectively.
00:06:11 --> 00:06:15 Some people might think that having fish in the tank provides enough CO2 through
00:06:15 --> 00:06:18 respiration, but that isn't sufficient for optimal plant growth.
00:06:18 --> 00:06:23 For some plants, installing a CO2 system can significantly boost plant health
00:06:23 --> 00:06:27 by allowing them to grow faster and outcompete algae for nutrients.
00:06:27 --> 00:06:30 This will result in healthier looking plants that produce oxygen bubbles.
00:06:30 --> 00:06:35 And this is something known as purling, and it's a sign of vigorous growth.
00:06:35 --> 00:06:39 And purling occurs when oxygen produced during photosynthesis forms bubbles
00:06:39 --> 00:06:40 on the surface of the leaves.
00:06:40 --> 00:06:43 It's a bit like the plants are showing off, but they have enough oxygen.
00:06:44 --> 00:06:45 In fact, they've got excess oxygen.
00:06:47 --> 00:06:51 But it is important to note that not all plant tanks require carbon dioxide.
00:06:51 --> 00:06:55 If you're using low-light conditions or have chosen low-maintenance plants,
00:06:55 --> 00:06:59 such as Java fern or Anubias or crypts, you may not need additional CO2.
00:07:00 --> 00:07:02 These species can thrive with minimal supplementation.
00:07:03 --> 00:07:08 Now for those who decide to use CO2, monitoring levels are crucial.
00:07:08 --> 00:07:12 You've got to watch that, because too much carbon dioxide can actually harm
00:07:12 --> 00:07:15 fish by lowering the pH levels drastically.
00:07:15 --> 00:07:20 And a good rule of thumb is to maintain CO2 between 20 to 30 milligrams per
00:07:20 --> 00:07:24 liter, for safe levels that benefit both plants and fish.
00:07:25 --> 00:07:29 So in summary for CO2, if you're just starting out or keeping low maintenance
00:07:29 --> 00:07:33 species, you may have great success in a planted tank without adding CO2.
00:07:33 --> 00:07:38 But if you are one of those aquarists that is aiming for lush growth or keeping
00:07:38 --> 00:07:42 more demanding species of plants, then it probably is worthwhile to spend some
00:07:42 --> 00:07:47 time researching the best CO2 system for your budget and investing in that and
00:07:47 --> 00:07:48 putting it into your tank.
00:07:51 --> 00:07:54 Another key factor for plants is, of course, substrate.
00:07:55 --> 00:07:59 It's an often overlooked aspect of planted tanks, but it plays a significant role in plant health.
00:08:00 --> 00:08:04 Imagine planting your outdoor garden in poor soil. It just isn't going to thrive.
00:08:05 --> 00:08:09 A nutrient-rich substrate is essential for supporting healthy root systems in aquatic plants.
00:08:10 --> 00:08:13 And there are several options available to you. The first one,
00:08:13 --> 00:08:14 of course, is aquarium soil.
00:08:14 --> 00:08:19 This is specialized soil that provides nutrients directly to plant roots and
00:08:19 --> 00:08:20 helps maintain healthy water parameters.
00:08:21 --> 00:08:24 And you should be looking for soils that are designed specifically for planted
00:08:24 --> 00:08:29 tanks, as these often contain essential minerals and trace elements necessary for plant growth.
00:08:30 --> 00:08:36 There is an option to go to your local nursery by organic potting soil that
00:08:36 --> 00:08:39 you could use in your tank, and you kept that with some gravel or with stone
00:08:39 --> 00:08:40 so it doesn't float up into the tank.
00:08:41 --> 00:08:45 I've certainly used that, and it works well. But you do get specialized aquarium soils as well.
00:08:46 --> 00:08:50 Another option is to use gravel with root tabs. Now if you prefer using gravel
00:08:50 --> 00:08:53 as a substrate, and many people beginning in the hobby do that,
00:08:53 --> 00:08:56 considering supplementing your gravel with root tabs.
00:08:56 --> 00:09:00 These are fertiliser tablets placed directly into the substrate near the plant
00:09:00 --> 00:09:04 roots, and they break down over time and give essential nutrients to the plants.
00:09:05 --> 00:09:10 Another favourite substrate for many aquarists is sand. And while sand can be
00:09:10 --> 00:09:13 aesthetically pleasing and works well with certain types of plants like phallocynerea,
00:09:13 --> 00:09:18 It may not provide enough nutrients on its own, unless it's combined with root
00:09:18 --> 00:09:20 tabs or nutrient-rich layers underneath it.
00:09:21 --> 00:09:25 Now, let's quickly talk about the root tabs. If you have a well-established
00:09:25 --> 00:09:29 tank with gravel or sand, root tabs may not be strictly necessary,
00:09:30 --> 00:09:31 but can still be beneficial.
00:09:32 --> 00:09:35 Established tanks often have some nutrient buildup from fish waste and decaying
00:09:35 --> 00:09:38 organic matter, which can supplement your plant growth initially.
00:09:39 --> 00:09:44 However, as time passes and nutrients are depleted through water changes or
00:09:44 --> 00:09:48 plant uptake, root tabs can help replenish the essential nutrients directly
00:09:48 --> 00:09:49 at the roots where they are most needed.
00:09:50 --> 00:09:53 If you have a plant that likes to feed heavily from the substrate like an Amazon
00:09:53 --> 00:09:58 sword, using root tabs periodically will ensure they receive adequate nutrition over time.
00:09:59 --> 00:10:01 For lower maintenance plants or those that are less demanding,
00:10:02 --> 00:10:06 you may find that relying solely on existing substrate is good enough.
00:10:07 --> 00:10:11 So when setting up your tank consider layering your substrate start
00:10:11 --> 00:10:13 with a nutrient-rich base top it with gravel or sand
00:10:13 --> 00:10:17 and this approach will allow plants to access nutrients while also providing
00:10:17 --> 00:10:21 good drainage i have this in several of my tanks and i can say that it works
00:10:21 --> 00:10:25 it does work well remembering that choosing the right substrate not only supports
00:10:25 --> 00:10:30 plant health but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your aquarium creating
00:10:30 --> 00:10:33 an inviting space for both you and the animals you keep in your tank.
00:10:34 --> 00:10:38 There are some frequently asked questions that are regularly sent to me on email
00:10:38 --> 00:10:40 or are asked to me in person.
00:10:40 --> 00:10:43 I'm going to address some of those now because I think these are the kind of
00:10:43 --> 00:10:46 questions that people ask as they consider putting plants into their aquariums
00:10:46 --> 00:10:49 or enhancing the planting in their tanks.
00:10:49 --> 00:10:53 The first one is, what should I do if my plants start turning yellow?
00:10:53 --> 00:10:57 If this happens, it often indicates that there's a nutrient deficiency or perhaps not enough light.
00:10:58 --> 00:11:02 So check your lighting duration and consider adding fertilizer for aquatic plants,
00:11:02 --> 00:11:07 your kind of aquatic fertilizer or aquatic plant fertilizer that is available at shops.
00:11:08 --> 00:11:11 Can you mix different types of plants in one tank? Absolutely.
00:11:12 --> 00:11:16 No problem with that at all. It will be optimal if you choose plants that have
00:11:16 --> 00:11:18 similar light and care requirements to get the best results.
00:11:19 --> 00:11:22 Another question that's asked is how do I prevent algae growth with live plants?
00:11:23 --> 00:11:26 So if you maintain good water quality through regular changes,
00:11:26 --> 00:11:29 give adequate plant cover and avoid overfeeding your fish.
00:11:30 --> 00:11:34 This will help keep algae at bay. Is it necessary to use CO2 injection?
00:11:34 --> 00:11:38 Well, it can enhance plant growth significantly, but it's not entirely necessary, no.
00:11:40 --> 00:11:43 How should I trim my plants? Well, it depends on their growth rate.
00:11:43 --> 00:11:46 Fast-growing species may need trimming every couple of weeks,
00:11:46 --> 00:11:48 while slow growers might only need attention monthly.
00:11:49 --> 00:11:51 What are some signs my aquarium plants are healthy?
00:11:52 --> 00:11:56 Well, you're going to look for things like vibrant colours, the deep greens, the rich reds.
00:11:56 --> 00:12:00 You're going to look for them to be strong and upright, particularly around
00:12:00 --> 00:12:02 the stem plants without wilting or browning the edges.
00:12:03 --> 00:12:07 You want to make sure that they're producing new leaves constantly and that
00:12:07 --> 00:12:12 they are occasionally purling during daylight hours particularly if you have a CO2 system.
00:12:13 --> 00:12:17 So as we wrap up this episode I hope you feel inspired to enhance your tank
00:12:17 --> 00:12:18 with some beautiful greenery.
00:12:19 --> 00:12:23 Remember that each plant has unique needs regarding light and nutrients and
00:12:23 --> 00:12:27 CO2 so take the time to research what works best for you.
00:12:28 --> 00:12:31 Creating a thriving plant aquarium is not just about aesthetics.
00:12:31 --> 00:12:35 It's about building a balanced ecosystem where every element works harmoniously
00:12:35 --> 00:12:40 together, from the tiniest microorganisms in the substrate to the largest fish
00:12:40 --> 00:12:41 swimming amongst the lush foliage.
00:12:43 --> 00:12:47 Thank you for joining me today on the Aquarius Edge. If you enjoyed this episode,
00:12:47 --> 00:12:51 please subscribe, leave a review, and don't forget to share this episode and
00:12:51 --> 00:12:55 this podcast with friends and family who are also in the fishkeeping hobby.
00:12:55 --> 00:12:59 So until next time may your plants flourish in your tank and may you continue
00:12:59 --> 00:13:04 to enjoy this fantastic hobby of fish keeping take care, see you on the next one,
00:13:06 --> 00:13:10 that's it for this episode of the Aquaris Sedge please consider subscribing
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00:13:19 --> 00:13:21 keep learning and discovering and
00:13:21 --> 00:13:25 keep finding your Aquaris Sedge in this captivating and fascinating hobby.
00:13:26 --> 00:13:35 Music.