What are the benefits of plants in the fish tank? They are important when it comes to a healthy and prosperous aquarium.
Why Do Aquatic Plants Bring A Great Benefit To The Fish Tank?
Firstly, aquatic plants are not only a natural decoration, but also have many chemical and physical benefits. In summary, they are important when it comes to a healthy and prosperous aquarium. They are generally recommended for both novice and experienced aquarists. Below, we will discuss the 6 main benefits of adding aquatic plants to your fish tank.
Aquatic Plants Can Improve Chemical Filtration
Plants in fish tanks are very beneficial. Most importantly, they are an addition to the existing filtration system. They have an incredible ability to remove waste excreted by fish. And they assist in the removal of decomposing matter. They absorb nitrates through their leaves and substrate in the fish tank and also play an extremely important role in the carbon cycle.
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It is important to note that plants should never be used to replace mechanical filters. They work more like an extra source. After the introduction of the plants, the visible and measurable water quality will improve. The liveliness of the fish will also increase. Remember that plants need about 8 hours of daily lighting.
Promote Significant Algae Reduction
In fact, algae growth in the fish tank can be both irritating and relentless. Aquatic plants have the ability to compete with algae for essential nutrients. At the same time, nutrients such as Iron, Nitrate, Potassium and Trace elements are essential for the growth of all plants in the fish tank.
By adding plants that consume these nutrients through the water column, it is possible to drastically reduce algae. Especially if fast-growing plants, such as some varieties of stem plants, are added.
Some slower-growing ones, such as Anubias, may struggle to compete with algae for nutrients in the fish tank. For this reason, it is important to remain vigilant in the fight against algae. Always remove visible clumps and scrape the glass regularly. The algae in the aquarium will only serve to steal nutrients from your plants.
Aeration Of The Water Column
Aquatic plants have the additional ability to oxygenate water. Like vegetation on land, they perform photosynthesis and release oxygen into the water column.
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At the same time, they consume the carbon dioxide that comes out of the fish. A well-aerated tank is essential for the survival and vitality of animals. The plants will chemically saturate the aquarium with O2, which is very beneficial for them.
In contrast, at night they breathe and release CO2 into the water column. There is a common myth that this CO2 can be dangerous for fish. In reality, plants release much less CO2 than they consume, so they are not considered to have any negative effect on fish during this period.
Rebuilding The Natural Habitat
In short, freshwater fish are often collected from streams and rivers in the wild. In addition, their natural habitats consist of many aquatic plants. Introducing them to planted tanks will help to mimic their natural environment. Outside it will enhance the beauty of the aquarium. Aquariums are representations of the fish’s natural habitat, not simply lifeless glass cases.
It is a great idea to research the species you create and find which plants are recommended for your habitat.
Provide Protection for Different Species
Some species of fish can be very territorial and more aggressive than others. For this reason, good hardscape and aquatic plants are important in providing protection and hiding places for fish.
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Without them, fish can be plagued until they reach a point of exhaustion and kill them. In addition, plants promote reproduction and egg laying. In the wild, most species lay their eggs safely on plant leaves.
Plant Roots Promote Substrate Safety
Believe it or not, your aquatic plants have a strong root system that holds the substrate in place. They have root systems very similar to terrestrial plants.
In summary, the substrate becomes more stable and less likely to be disturbed by the outflow of the filter or fish. This is beneficial for the aesthetic and anaerobic processes contained in the fish tank. In the same way that some other plants, in turn, bind to stones or trunks. Even if it is not beneficial for the substrate, it will create a natural appearance in the tank.
In addition, plants such as Anubias and Java Moss are especially beneficial in cleaning the water column of nitrates and liquid excrement.
Conclusion
In fact, this text shows some reasons why maintaining aquatic plants is an excellent decision. The benefits of plants in fish tank are numerous, they promote safety for fish, improve chemical filtration and significantly reduce the number of algae in the fish tank.
If you own a freshwater aquarium and are undecided about buying plants, now is the time to do so. Your fish will thank you for it.
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