DIY Aquarium Plants

Although many people use plastic plants in their aquariums, fish would prefer real plants. And real plants can provide additional and natural food sources for some fish. Putting in a few plants is something you can easily do yourself. The end result will give your aquarium a more realistic and beautiful look to enjoy.

  1. Selecting Aquatic Plants

    • Although there are many aquatic plants to choose from, these three are good basic plants, especially for the novice aquarium owner. Consider the delicate-looking hornwort with twisting, forked leaves. It is a sturdy, fast-growing plant that also aids in slowing algae growth. Another fast-growing plant to consider is the dwarf hygrophila. Your plant-eating fish will love this plant. And because it recovers quickly, your fish won't cause any permanent damage. Perhaps the most commonly available aquatic plant is the Java fern. It popularity is partly due to its easy care. It can thrive in any pH level, making it ideal for beginning aquarium owners.

    Planting Your Plants

    • Start with a clean aquarium. This is important for your plants to be able to establish roots. In cleaning the aquarium, be sure to rinse out all traces of any soap used.

      Next inspect your plants. Groom them by removing any dead or damaged leaves, stems or roots.

      Fill the bottom of your aquarium with the substrate. A clay soil works best. Since the plants are just beginning, use a nutrient-rich soil. Also note that aquarium soil is not fine, but rather coarse grained to allow for filtration. Plants with longer roots will naturally require a deeper layer of substrate. But typically, 2 to 4 inches of depth will suffice.

      Simply plant the plants into the substrate, covering up the roots. As a general rule of thumb, don't mix the tall and short plants together. Taller plants typically go near the side of the tank where the substrate is deeper, while shorter ones fare better in the middle of the tank.

      Make sure your tank light is on for 10 to 12 hours a day to give the plants sufficient light.