Aquatic plants are an extremely important addition to any freshwater fish tank. In return for a little simple maintenance, plants bring color and beauty to the underwater environment. They also add value by helping to oxygenate the water, taking up harmful nitrates, and providing plenty of hiding spots for shy fish and vulnerable fry. Beginners … Read more
These days, fake plants have become extremely popular as aquarium decoration pieces, largely because of their low maintenance and aesthetic appeal. Indeed, when I got into the fishkeeping hobby over 40 years ago, I had lots of silk plants adorning my first aquarium. However, there are quite a few hidden downsides to using artificial plants … Read more
Many aquarists love aquatic plants for their aesthetic appeal. I think there’s nothing more beautiful and relaxing than a display of vibrant green foliage gently swaying in the current while brightly colored fish dart between the waving fronds. But plants are not just gorgeous to look at; they play a vital role in creating a … Read more
The mere mention of algae in their tank is enough to send most aquarium hobbyists into a full-scale meltdown. However, before you dismiss these green, slimy organisms as just a pain to be endured, you might want to take a closer look at their role in creating a thriving aquatic ecosystem. In this article, I … Read more
Betta fish are straightforward to care for, colorful, glamorous, and full of personality, so it’s no wonder they make such great pets for aquarists! In fact, second to goldfish, bettas are the world’s number one fishy friend. In the betta’s natural habitat, the water bodies are heavily vegetated, providing shelter, protection from predators, and offering … Read more
Most hobbyists start their journey into marine fishkeeping with a Clownfish. These colorful saltwater fish found fame in the Captain Nemo film, are easy to keep, relatively cheap to buy, and full of personality. Clownfish are happiest when in a symbiotic relationship with a sea anemone, and Bubble-Tip anemones can make the perfect host for … Read more
Have you ever wished for an aquarium plant whose colorful leaves could provide a beautiful foil for the green plants that surround it? Look no further than the Ludwigia family. With their red leaves and stems, Ludwigia plants provide vibrant bursts of color to add diversity and interest to the planted aquarium. Ludwigia palustris is … Read more
Rotala indica is a beautiful aquarium plant that does well in most well-maintained tropical freshwater tanks, even without CO2 supplementation. This red-leafed plant species is easy to care for and can grow quite tall, making it an ideal choice to create an exciting backdrop to a deep tank setup. Read this guide to learn everything … Read more
Alternanthera reineckii “mini” is a beautiful red-leafed plant that’s perfect if you want a plant that grows slowly and doesn’t get too tall for a small tank. Unlike many red plants, this variety isn’t especially difficult to care for, making it a good choice for a novice aquarist. The plant is readily available and not … Read more
Most hobbyists, myself included, love to include plenty of vibrant, living plants in their tanks. If you want a versatile, bright green plant that’s easy to grow in a tropical freshwater tank, Hemianthus Micranthemoides might be a species worth considering. Read this guide to learn everything you need to know about growing and propagating this … Read more
If you’re looking for a tall, elegant background plant that you can grow in your tropical fish tank, Cyperus helferi could be a species that’s worth considering. This large-sized aquarium plant species can be tricky to settle in a new environment, so we don’t recommend it as a beginner plant. That said, if you’re new … Read more
Fissidens fontanus is a relatively newly-discovered aquatic plant that’s native to the US and is taking the hobby by storm; being gorgeous to look at, incredibly easy to grow, and hassle-free to care for once it’s taken root. If you want to bring a whole new dimension to your fish tank, keep reading to learn … Read more
Ludwigias are a popular family of aquarium plants because of their stunning red colors, but it’s important to know that some species are much easier to grow than others. Ludwigia arcuata is a beautiful variety with slender, narrow red leaves, but it is also harder to grow than some of its relatives. Let’s look closer … 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
