The Aponogeton ulvaceus is a delicate bulb plant from Madagascar that I found out about when I was looking to add some greenery to my aquarium. While doing my research, I saw a picture of an Aponogeton ulvaceus in full bloom and was hooked! Since then, I’ve become a huge fan of these tropical plants. … Read more
Have you seen mondo grass being sold as an ‘aquatic plant’ in your local pet store? You may even be one of the unlucky ones who bought it, thinking it’ll be an easy plant to grow in your aquarium. The not-so-good news is that mondo grass isn’t really an aquatic plant at all, and can … Read more
Most hobbyists choose to grow aquatic plants in their tanks. Plants bring many benefits to a fish tank, helping to oxygenate the water, taking up harmful ammonia and nitrates for use as nutrients, and offering shade and shelter for the fish and other tank residents. Java ferns are wonderful plants that you see in many … Read more
There are many types of live aquatic plants that can be used in a tropical fish tank. Some species are tall and make excellent background specimens, while others are shorter and can be grown in the foreground. Marsilea hirsuta is a carpet-forming plant whose leaves resemble those of the terrestrial clover plant. This is not … 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
Algae is the hobbyist’s sworn enemy, spreading in a slimy carpet over your tank and coating your decorations, plants, and viewing panes in green, red, or brown gunk. You can use an algae magnet to remove the eyesore from your tank glass, but you’ll need some help to get rid of algae growing in hard-to-reach … Read more
There are many benefits to keeping living plants in your fish tank, although many beginner fish keepers think that growing plants is either a hassle or simply too difficult. However, the plant we feature in this guide is very easy to care for, making it ideal for a beginner tank. We’re talking about Bacopa caroliniana, … Read more
If you keep a marine or reef aquarium, you’ll probably come up against the Aiptasia anemone at some point. But is Aiptasia a nuisance or a boon to the hobbyist? And how do you get rid of Aiptasia without harming your other livestock? Read this guide to learn more about successfully and effectively managing Aiptasia … 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
You might have heard rumors among planted tank enthusiasts that Anubias can be grown out of water. Well, it’s true! Anubias can be grown out of water, but only when their perfect growing conditions are met. If you’re interested in growing Anubias in a half-full aquarium, terrarium, or vivarium, you’re in the right place to … Read more
When I bought my first fish tank in my teens, I was daunted by keeping live plants, so I opted instead for plastic replicas. My favorite of these was a green and red broad-leafed imitation which was quite realistic and added a welcome splash of color to the aquarium. Little did I know, then, that … Read more
Java moss is one of the most popular aquatic plants in the fish-keeping hobby. The plant is relatively small, hardy, and easy to grow, making it a good choice for a beginner. But why is your Java moss plant turning brown? And what can you do to save it? Keep reading to find out why … Read more
Amazon Frogbit is an attractive floating plant often grown in tropical freshwater aquariums. Its modest demands and many useful attributes have made it a popular plant among fish keepers for decades. This Amazonian plant isn’t entirely without its problems, however. Its fast growth rate and ability to cast heavy shade over the aquarium means that … Read more
Algae are the curse of the aquarium keeper, often covering the viewing panes, decorations, and plants in the tank with a slimy coating that ruins the aesthetic of your aquascape. In this article, we focus on two types of purple algae, one of which affects saltwater tanks and one afflicting freshwater environments. One of these … Read more
