Watching sea life in an aquarium is a peaceful pastime for fish owners everywhere. Aquatic plants can enhance the beauty and health of that environment we love to watch so much.
There are benefits to adding aquatic plants to your tank:
- They provide natural filtration by lowering nitrate levels.
- They use nutrients that normally feed algae growth, helping to reduce algae.
- Plants provide hiding spaces for shy species (bettas, loaches, cory cats, etc.).
- They add to the beauty and health of your aquarium.
Consider adding live plants to your aquarium. We’ll get you started with a beginner’s list below.
The best plant species for beginners
These plants require low light, and are very hardy in that they thrive in different water conditions (acidic, alkaline, soft, hard, etc.).
- Cryptocorne wendtii – Also called Bronze Wendtii, this low and bushy plant has variegated leaves. Colors range from green to bronze. It prefers deep substrate.
- Echinodorus bleheri – Commonly known as an Amazon Sword. This species can get very large and should be planted in a 20 gallon high aquarium. It also does well in terrarium situations.
- Echinodorus ocelatus – The Ozelot Sword has leaves that get multi-tonal brown spots as the plant matures. Some leaves will have a rich red tone. It doesn’t get as tall as others, making it a perfect mid-ground plant.
- Echinodorus barthii – The Red Melon Sword has pretty reddish oval leaves and can be used as a mid-ground or background plant.
- Echinodorus cordifolius – The Radican Sword features spade-shaped leaves and does best in a planted tank that has a rich substrate. This can be achieved with a tablet fertilizer.
- Anubias nana – This plant is slow growing and should be anchored to an ornament or piece of driftwood for best results, as its roots are very shallow. Can be used as a foreground or mid-ground plant.
- Microsorum pteropus – The Java Fern will creep across the aquarium as it grows, attaching itself to driftwood or ornaments. It does best in tanks with low light levels.
- Chladophora aegagropila – These Moss Balls are actually slow growing filamentous algae, which can improve filtration in your tank. They may even inhibit growth of other types of algae.
For help with choosing the best plants for your aquarium, visit Pet Supermarket and speak with a store associate.
