- Planning a Planted AquariumPlanted aquariums are a popular and rapidly growing segment of the aquarium hobby, allowing hobbyists to combine the beauty of nature with the rules of a balanced ecosystem. Unlike a traditional aquarium, live plants are the primary focus and fish are used as an accent or compliment to the main landscape. Planted tanks are less demanding to maintain than traditional aquariums, but they do require proper planning. Careful attention should be paid to tank dimensions, lighting, substrate, fertilizers, and selection of plant and fish species. A well-planned and maintained planted aquarium will provide years of enjoyment and relaxation. Then let’s start designing the planted aquarium of our dreams!
- Benefits of Aquatic Plants in the Aquarium: It improves water quality and helps prevent algae growth by using nutrients released by fish waste, uneaten food and organic residues.It produces oxygen, which is used by fish during daylight hours and helps stabilize pH, and in response, fish produce CO₂, which plants use as a food source.Fish tend to feel safe, and aquatic plants help fish stay in their natural environment and add even more vibrant colors.It encourages many fish species to spawn and gives newly hatched fry a place to hide while they grow.
- Choosing an Aquarium for Aquatic Plants Consider the types of plants and fish you want to raise and then choose the aquarium that best suits their needs. Almost any size aquarium can be used to set up a planted tank, but it is important to note that taller tanks require stronger lighting for certain types of plants. Clanaquascaping offers a wide range of aquarium styles suitable for planted tanks.
High and Low – Tech Planted Aquariums
You may have often heard the terms “High Tech” or “Low Tech” when talking about planted aquariums, so let’s take a few minutes to define these terms. “High tech” or “Low tech” are terms used to describe the amount of light, CO2 and nutrients that support the aquarium.
“High Tech” planted aquariums are defined as planted aquariums with high intensity lighting, pressurized CO2 addition and high daily nutrient dosage. In contrast, a “Low Tech” planted aquarium does not use pressurized CO2, lighting is low to medium intensity, and may or may not have a daily dosage of nutrients. Remember, there is a difference between a planted aquarium and an aquarium with plants in it. A planted aquarium usually requires dense plantings, has a substrate formulated for plant growth, and the focal point of the tank is based on the plants.
You can expect rapid growth and very vibrant colors from your plants in the “High Tech” planted aquarium. Some plants, such as Dwarf Baby Tears, will only thrive in a “High Tech” aquarium due to their necessarily quality light and nutrient requirements. However, a “High Tech” planted aquarium will be more labor and time consuming to maintain. Due to the rapid growth of plants, nutrients will be consumed much faster, so a daily nutrient dosing schedule is a must, and water changes should be made weekly or bi-weekly (25-50%) to maintain proper nutrient levels. The addition of pressurized CO2 is essential to meet the needs of rapidly growing plants. Without proper CO2 levels, high amounts of light and nutrients will turn your tank into an algae farm.
“Low Tech” planted aquariums will be easier to maintain as slower plant growth is generally expected. This means slower growth, less nutrients, less plant pruning and fewer water changes required. However, there are a number of plant species that will not tolerate these “Low Tech” conditions and may grow very slowly or not at all. Additionally, some plants may not display the bright red or purple characteristics that they exhibit in a “High Tech” planted aquarium. Nutrient dosing in a “Low Tech” planted aquarium can be done daily, but more often once a week or not at all, depending on the bioload of the tank, plant growth and the total amount of plants in the aquarium. Adding CO2 to a “Low Tech” environment is not normally necessary due to fewer nutrients and less light, but it will certainly help the plants if you choose to do so. Many hobbyists will regularly choose an organic carbon source or use a sugar and yeast system instead of pressurized CO2.
Both styles of planted aquariums can be beautiful and rewarding when properly maintained. Having a “High Tech” planted aquarium is not for everyone as it requires more dedication to maintain, but it is worth the effort if we want vibrant colors and strong growth. A “Low Tech” planted aquarium is relatively easy to maintain and is a great choice for beginners or hobbyists who like the look of a planted tank but don’t want to deal with the features required of a high-tech aquarium. Stop by our store today and hear from our team about which installation is best for you!