
Incorporating house plants into your aquarium can bring a multitude of benefits. They can absorb excess nutrients, purify the water, provide shelter for the creatures in your aquarium, and add a unique aesthetic touch to your setup. This guide will delve into the best house plants for aquariums and offer practical tips and a step-by-step guide for introducing them into your aquatic world.
1. Understanding Your Aquarium Environment
Before adding any house plant to your aquarium, it’s crucial to understand your aquarium’s environment. Consider factors like the water temperature, pH level, lighting, and the type of fish you have. These factors will impact the type of plants that can thrive in your aquarium.
2. Selecting the Best House Plants for Aquariums
Several house plants can adapt to an aquatic environment. However, remember that not all parts of these plants can survive underwater. Here are some house plants that can thrive when their roots are submerged in water:
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): This plant’s roots can absorb excess nutrients, helping to keep the water clean. The leafy vines can drape outside the tank, adding a beautiful, cascading effect.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Although not a true aquatic plant, Peace Lily can adapt to having its roots submerged in the water. Its attractive white flowers can be a beautiful addition to your setup.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): A hardy plant that can tolerate various conditions, the Spider Plant can grow with its roots in the water. Its arching leaves and small white flowers add a unique touch to your aquarium.
- Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana): While not fully aquatic, Lucky Bamboo can grow with its roots in the water and the rest of the plant above. It adds vertical interest with its tall, bamboo-like stalks.
- Philodendron: Various Philodendron species can adapt to growing with their roots submerged in water, providing a variety of leaf shapes and colours for visual appeal.
3. Preparing House Plants for Aquariums
Once you’ve selected your plants, follow these steps to prepare them for the aquarium:
- Rinse the plant: Thoroughly rinse the plant to remove any pests, dirt, or chemicals that may harm your fish.
- Quarantine the plant: If possible, quarantine the plant in a separate container with water for a week or two. This step can help ensure any lingering pests or diseases do not enter your main tank.
- Plant carefully: Use a pot or rock to anchor the plant in the aquarium. Ensure the roots are submerged, but the foliage remains above the water.
4. Maintaining House Plants in Aquariums
Maintaining house plants in an aquarium involves regular monitoring and care:
- Monitor plant health: Keep an eye on the plant’s health. If it shows signs of decay, it may be best to remove it to avoid water contamination.
- Trim regularly: Trim any dead or decaying parts of the plant to maintain its health and prevent them from rotting in the water.
- Check water parameters: Regularly test the water for pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels to ensure it remains a healthy environment for both your fish and plants.
By following these steps and carefully selecting and maintaining your house plants, you can create a vibrant, healthy, and beautiful aquarium that benefits both you and your aquatic pets.
5. Alternatives to House Plants: Aquatic Plants
If you find that house plants are too much maintenance, or if they don’t thrive in your particular setup, there are numerous aquatic plants that can also provide excellent benefits to your aquarium. Some popular options include Java Fern, Anubias, and Amazon Sword, all of which are fully submersible and require similar water conditions to many common aquarium fish species.
6. Plants for Paludariums
If you have a paludarium – a setup that includes both terrestrial and aquatic sections – you can also consider terrestrial plants that enjoy high humidity. Plants like Ferns, Bromeliads, and Anthurium can thrive in these setups and provide an additional level of interest and beauty.
~~~ In conclusion, introducing house plants into your aquarium can be a rewarding endeavour that benefits both the aesthetics of your setup and the health of the animals in your aquarium. By carefully selecting, preparing, and maintaining your plants, you can create a unique and thriving aquatic environment. Remember, every aquarium is different, so don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best in your specific setup.
Image credit: Valter França