Aquatic plants are an extremely important addition to any freshwater fish tank. In return for a little simple maintenance, plants bring color and beauty to the underwater environment. They also add value by helping to oxygenate the water, taking up harmful nitrates, and providing plenty of hiding spots for shy fish and vulnerable fry. Beginners … Read more
Many aquarists love aquatic plants for their aesthetic appeal. I think there’s nothing more beautiful and relaxing than a display of vibrant green foliage gently swaying in the current while brightly colored fish dart between the waving fronds. But plants are not just gorgeous to look at; they play a vital role in creating a … Read more
Betta fish are straightforward to care for, colorful, glamorous, and full of personality, so it’s no wonder they make such great pets for aquarists! In fact, second to goldfish, bettas are the world’s number one fishy friend. In the betta’s natural habitat, the water bodies are heavily vegetated, providing shelter, protection from predators, and offering … Read more
If you’ve discovered some black spots on your live plants, you may be concerned that there’s a problem to be addressed. In many cases, you’d be right. Black patches growing on aquarium plants is often due to ‘black beard algae’, a problematic type of algae that can overwhelm your aquarium if not dealt with urgently. … Read more
Almost every college dorm windowsill or student apartment has at least one spider plant; mine certainly did! Spider plants are easy to grow and very adaptable, happily growing in a wide range of conditions and environments. But can you grow a spider plant in your home aquarium? The answer is yes, with a few caveats, … Read more
Whether adding shrimp to an existing aquarium or starting a nano shrimp tank, you must ensure the shrimp you keep have the right environment. No ideal shrimp environment would be complete without aquatic plants. If you’re looking for the best plants for shrimp tanks, you have come to the right place. Keep reading to learn … Read more
Living aquatic plants are an excellent addition to any freshwater aquarium. The plants take nitrates from the water to use as fertilizer; they absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen through photosynthesis, providing shelter and spawning grounds for fish. Green plants look beautiful in any aquascape, but red aquarium plants add something special to the … Read more
Red aquatic plants can make a beautiful visual display in your fish tank, adding a bold splash of color to your aquascape that contrasts perfectly with the green leaves of your other planting. However, red aquarium plants are notoriously difficult to grow and maintain successfully, but there are a few species that beginners can take … Read more
Aquatic plants make a beautiful addition to almost every tropical freshwater fish tank. Carpeting plants can fill in the aquarium’s foreground, adding a lush green, lawn-like carpet that provides shelter for shy fish and vulnerable fry. Some carpet plants also create glittering oxygen bubbles when you give them plenty of light and CO2. You’ll need … Read more
You might think that fish are the best part of having a backyard pond, but the endless species of aquatic plants available really puts the entire ecosystem into focus! Plants are important for pond setups. They provide food and protection for fish, improve water quality, and can even help combat erosion. Luckily, many species require … Read more
You may have heard that live plants are great to add to your freshwater aquarium to help with algae problems. But why? Plants take up nutrients, like nitrate, from the water to grow. Not only does this nitrate reduction method help reduce the number of excess nutrients in the aquarium water column, but it eventually … Read more
Marine and freshwater shrimp are becoming an extremely popular addition to many home aquariums. These peaceful little creatures are not only fascinating to watch as they scurry around the tank in their endless search for food, but they also make a great clean-up crew, helping to keep your tank tidy. So, shrimp are well-known for … Read more
Live plants have many benefits for the home aquarium and its community. Plants help to oxygenate the water, provide shelter for fish and fry, and create a natural-looking environment that’s aesthetically pleasing. There are many aquatic plants to choose from, including coontail, which is one of the easiest freshwater plants that you can grow in … Read more
If you’ve been in the aquarium hobby for a while, you’ll know that all aquarium plants need a source of light to grow and thrive. Not all plants are equal in their lighting needs, though: some need more than others while some not so much. Looking to set up a low tech aquarium with beautiful … Read more
Some of the most popular species in the aquarium hobby, such as bumblebee gobies, are actually not freshwater fish but require a brackish tank. If you want to set up an aquarium for one of these species one thing you’ll need to think about is plants: most aquarium plants don’t appreciate being exposed to salt … Read more
