Caring for Dwarf Lilies in an Aquarium

Dwarf aquarium lilies are green, red or brown and add a touch of color to an aquarium. Dwarf lilies are native to India and are a smaller version of large lily pads that grow in outdoor ponds. This type of greenery has smaller leaves shaped like arrowheads and grows slowly. Purchase lily bulbs or plants that have already sprouted leaves for decorating an aquarium.

  1. Benefits

    • Living greenery in an aquarium not only adds color to your tank, but also has several other benefits. Plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis to help aerate your tank. Living plant leaves also provide natural filtration in addition to your filter system. Lilies absorb nutrients from the water and rocks to decrease the growth of algae as they grow. Smaller fish can hide in aquatic plants for protection. All of these features help provide a healthy tank for your fish.

    pH Level Required

    • Aquarium conditions must be at a specific range of pH level and temperature for dwarf lilies to sprout and grow. Check the pH level with a water test kit for aquariums. Follow the directions on the test kit to raise or lower the pH level to between 5.5 and 7.5 to be favorable for lily growth.

    Temperature Required

    • Check the temperature gauge on your aquarium, and increase or decrease the temperature to fall between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are starting a new aquarium, purchase an inexpensive stick-on thermometer to place on the aquarium wall.

    Lighting

    • Dwarf lilies sprout and grow best in bright light. Leave the overhead aquarium light on 24 hours a day to provide sufficient illumination until a bulb sprouts. It is not necessary to leave the light on continuously if you are planting a lily with sprouts.

    Planting and Moving

    • Planting a dwarf lily bulb in your aquarium is quite easy. Simply drop the bulb from above the water level to the area in which you wish it to grow. The bulb will settle down into the gravel and will root in that position. If you are planting a lily that has already sprouted, place the plant on the rocks and pull some additional rocks around the roots to cover them. Always cover the roots of sprouted bulbs with gravel when you move them, so they are anchored properly and do not float to the top of the water. Maintain the same pH level and water temperature, and watch your dwarf lilies grow.