Can I Keep Mollies in a Planted Aquarium?

In nature, almost all fish live in water that is also inhabited by some form of plant life, whether that water is marine or fresh. Therefore, it seems logical that any type of fish could live in an aquarium with plants. However, some fish live better in aquariums without plants, or may eat live plants, killing them. Mollies are one type of fish, though, that enjoys living in a planted aquarium.

  1. Molly Diets

    • When deciding on a type of fish for a planted aquarium, one main concern is whether or not the fish will eat the plants. Many fish can chew a plant right down to the roots. Mollies are omnivorous fish, meaning that they eat both meaty and leafy food items. Mollies, therefore, nibble on plants from time to time. The plants provide important nutrients the fish need. However, mollies that are well fed with live food insects, omnivorous fish flakes or pellet foods, do not tend to be overly voracious. They may munch on the tips of leaves, or any rotting plant material, but will most likely not kill the plants in the aquarium

    Water Hardness and pH Levels

    • Some aquarium plants can create, or must have, certain a water hardness and pH level. There are several different subspecies of molly fish, all of which require a slightly different water hardness or pH level. Generally, mollies do well in water with a moderate hardness, something between 20 and 30 dGH, and require a pH level between about 6.5 and 8. Choose aquarium plants that can thrive in these levels. Use water additives to adjust the levels if the carbon dioxide fertilization of the plants lowers them. In addition, although mollies are freshwater fish, many aquarists find they thrive well with a small amount of salt added to the aquarium. Any plants in the water will need to be able to withstand this.

    Sense of Security

    • Most fish, mollies included, feel safer and more comfortable, and are therefore healthier, in an aquarium that has plenty of hiding places. Plants in an aquarium provide the most natural hiding places for the fish. If you have young fish in the aquarium after breeding, these hiding places can be lifesaving, as mollies often eat their young. Both stationary and floating plants can provide this security.

    Aesthetic Purposes

    • One of the best things about having fish and plants together in an aquarium is that the aquarium then looks much more natural. A fish in a more natural habitat is lovely to see. A bare aquarium can often seem very boring. Live plants can bring out the best in the fish.