Plant FAQs
CLICK HERE to download a printable pamphlet of "Aquatic Plant Tips"
What do I need to keep aquarium plants alive?
1. LIGHT Most important for aquatic plants (besides water) will always be lighting. If you are serious about keeping aquatic plants, invest in a good plant light. Specific plant lights should be full spectrum and high output LEDs. Aquatic plants need about 8-10 hours of consistent light per day. Make sure you get the correct size for your tank, and wide tanks may require more than one lighting unit. (We are always happy to recommend types of lighting, just ask!)
2. CO2 Second most important is the CO2 available for the plant. While CO2 isn't necessary for animals, plants consume carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. CO2 basically allows the plants to grow faster and easier. Not all plants require CO2, easier rated plants may not need added CO2, but can still benefit from it and will help limit algae growth. The most effective way to add CO2 into your tank is by using a cylinder, regulator, and diffuser. (We can show you and help you get started with this system, just ask!) Other than diffusing CO2 gas from a cylinder into the aquarium, you can try other options like: smaller disposable cartridges, bio-systems using yeast, CO2 tablets, or liquid supplements. Warning: Adding CO2 will make the water more acidic. It is possible to overdose CO2 and poison your animal inhabitants. Always start with small doses and be prepared in the case of an overdose.
3. NUTRIENTS Aquatic plants require a variety of nutrients and elements to produce vibrant colors and continuous growth. With soils and plant substrates, there is usually enough nutrients to feed the plants for a long time. Or in heavily stocked tanks with many fish, their waste may be providing enough plant nutrients. However, some more advanced plants or aquariums without planted substrate may require additives. Liquid additives and root tabs can provide the plants with the nutrients they need to grow.
What are the right plants for my aquarium?
We conveniently rate each of our plants as: easy, medium, or difficult. And we include information pertaining to light and CO2 requirements to help you choose accordingly.
Will my plants have snails or pests?
While we rarely have issues with nuisance pond snails in our grow tanks, they are a risk every plant hobbyist deals with. We do inspect plants before shipping to minimize any transfer of pests. We also offer a mild (plant and fish safe) chemical plant dip for use prior to adding plants to your aquarium. We also offer tissue cultured plants guaranteed free of pests.
How do I prep my new plants?
Always rinse plants or quarantine to avoid pests.
For potted plants: Remove the wool and plants from the plastic pot. If roots are overgrown and coming through the pot, you may need to carefully cut the pot off with scissors. Break open the wool and remove the wool surrounding the plant stems and roots. There may be small pieces of wool, just remove as much as possible. We recommend planting individual stems or roots with tweezers.
For stem plants: If the stem plants have a padding, carefully remove the lead weight and unravel the padding. We recommend planting individual stems or roots with tweezers to avoid damaging delicate stems; however, you may carefully re-apply the lead weight before planting for thicker bunches.
For moss or attaching plants to hardscape: You may use fishing line or thread, or cyanoacrylate plant glue.
For tissue culture cups: Remove the contents of the cup entirely. There should be a gel agar base attached to the roots. Carefully remove as much of the gel as possible with your hands and/or tweezers. Rinse off the remaining gel under tap water. Portion the contents into 3 or 4 even clusters. Plant about 1" apart. Can be planted in "dry start" method where the aquarium will be flooded later. Keep in mind, it is normal to have an initial leaf die-off as the plants adjust to life submerged under water. Leave the roots and the plant will continue to grow!
If you have any other questions, just ask us!
CLICK HERE to download a printable pamphlet of "Aquatic Plant Tips"!