A planted aquarium is a great way to add a different type of flair to your fish tank. The main attraction of this type of tank is its plants, so make sure to choose the right lighting and substrate for them. If you are planning to add CO2 supplementation, then make sure to follow these tips to maintain the health of your plants.
Plants are the main attraction of a planted aquarium
A planted aquarium is a natural environment mimicked by plants. This type of aquarium can be challenging to set up, and many aquarists struggle with the process. Proper water chemistry is essential for a planted aquarium’s plants to thrive. However, there are some general steps beginners can follow to set up their own planted aquarium.
The first step in setting up a planted aquarium is to choose your plants. There are several different types of plants you can choose. In general, you should choose plants that will thrive in low light. A few of the best choices are Java Ferns, African Water Ferns, and Pygmy Swords.
Choosing a substrate
The type of substrate you choose for your planted aquarium can have a significant impact on the health and longevity of your plants. Whether you choose to use a single kind or mix several types, you will need to consider the pH and hardness of the substrate before you buy it.
The pH level of the water in the aquarium will affect the type of substrate you need. Some types of substrates are more acidic than others, while others are more alkaline. A good substrate should contain all the necessary nutrients to encourage healthy plant growth.
CO2 supplementation
Plants in a planted aquarium need some extra CO2 in order to grow. Although they get this from fish breathing, not enough of it can be found in water to sustain an entire tank’s worth of aquatic plants. In order to provide enough CO2 for the plants in your aquarium, you can add CO2 supplements.
Carbon dioxide is required by plants for photosynthesis, a process by which they convert light into oxygen. This process uses up the CO2 that is already in the tank. Since you don’t want to run out of CO2 before the plant life begins to grow, you may need to supplement it. Luckily, there are several methods to do this.
Choosing a filter
Choosing a filter for a planted tank is a crucial aspect of keeping the water in your tank clean and oxygenated. This is done through biological filtration. These filters use water and substrate to promote the growth of bacteria. In addition, some filters have decorations or plants that aid in this filtration process. The capacity of the biological filter is determined by the amount of surface area available for bacterial growth and the oxygen content of water passing over it. However, not all biological filters are created equal. Those that are made with exposed biological media have the highest capacity for biological filtration.
Another factor to consider when choosing a filter is the flow rate. It’s important to get a filter that has a flow rate at least four times the capacity of your tank. For example, a 20-gallon aquarium will require a filter with a GPH of 80-120. A large tank will require a filter with twice that flow rate, or two smaller filters.
