| When you decide that you are going to use live | | | | remove any dead leaves. Removing the debris helps |
| plants, you will want to learn how to choose the right | | | | the plant to grow bigger and healthier and keeps the |
| aquarium plants. Taking home the wrong plants or | | | | tank cleaner and looking its best. |
| ordering the wrong ones online can be a frustrating | | | | The best aquarium plants to pick should meet two |
| experience. With a little guidance, you can discover | | | | requirements. They should work with your aquarium |
| which plants are perfect for both your fish and the | | | | to make it a pleasure for you without a lot of time |
| aquarium. | | | | commitment instead of creating so much work you |
| Before you pick out your plants, you need to know | | | | dread the aquarium. The plants should also provide |
| the basics of caring for plants that will survive in | | | | shelter for the fish without taking over the aquarium. |
| water. The first basic is lighting. Not all plants require | | | | Plants that grow too fast and take up so much |
| the same amount or type of lighting. If you have one | | | | space that the tank looks overcrowded will have to |
| plant that requires a lot of light and another that | | | | be taken out and you'll end up having to start over. |
| needs only a little, subjecting the one that needs less | | | | Don't make the mistake of buying plants just |
| to too much light can kill it. So make sure the lighting | | | | because you like the color or you think the plant will |
| requirements are similar among all the plants you | | | | be an attractive decoration. Though it's great to have |
| choose. | | | | colorful plants that decorate aquariums, the plants |
| Know what the plants need for food. Even plants in a | | | | should also be chosen to serve a purpose-that of |
| watery home need to be fertilized. Fertilizer for | | | | keeping your fish healthy and to give them shelter. |
| aquatic plants isn't hard to find, but take the time to | | | | The way to get the best plants for your aquarium is |
| read the ingredients before you purchase. Some | | | | to look at your fish. Consider where they came from |
| ingredients foster the growth of algae and you don't | | | | originally and what the plants are in their native |
| want a green, scummy looking tank. If the bottle lists | | | | environment. If the fish you've chosen are used to |
| nitrates or phosphates in the label, avoid those. | | | | ferns, then you should buy plenty of ferns. Not all |
| When placing the plants in the gravel, never cover | | | | fish have the same needs in plants, which is why the |
| leaves with gravel because that will promote decay. | | | | plant should be tailored to fit the fish. |
| Watch your plants on a daily basis and promptly | | | | |