Many aquarium owners derive great enjoyment out of the cultivation of aquatic plants. Their main purpose is to decorate the aquarium and provide a hiding spot for fish. Live plants also provide a supplemental food source for many fish, and they inhibit the growth of algae. The decision to use live plants is up to you. A successful aquarium can be maintained with or without live plants. Actually, the most common set-up is a mixture of live, and plastic plants.

At Elmer's we receive shipments of live plants direct from Florida greenhouses each week.

Benefits Of Live Plants:
a. Plants decorate the aquarium.
b. Plants provide hiding spots for fish.
c. Plants provide a food source for some fish.
d. Plants inhibit the growth of algae by utilizing nutrients in the water.
e. Plants provide a spawning medium for some fish.
f. Plants utilize nitrogenous waste products.
g. Plants help keep the water saturated with oxygen. (Note that filters are used to provide oxygen and that plants are normally not required for oxygenation of the water.)
h. Plants create a more natural environment.

Lighting tips:
a. Provide 8-12 hours of light daily.
b. Use a double bulb fluorescent strip light or compact fluorescnent lighting.  Our Freshwater Aqualight is a good choice.
c. Replace fluorescent bulbs after one year.

Specialty Lighting for Plant Enthusiasts:
Many improvements have been made in the areas of aquarium lighting over the past 10 years. You can create a truly dramatic planted tank using some of the newer lighting systems including double or triple bulb systems.

Tips for Keeping Your Plants Healthy:
a. Make partial water changes periodically
b. Keep decaying sediment off of the bottom of the tank. Remove any decaying leaves with a fish net.
c. Provide a minimum of 1.5 inches of gravel for root growth.
d. Put plants in a permanent spot and do not uproot them.
e. In order to provide enough nutrients, use a liquid fertilizer such as Tetra FloraPride.
f. Keep the pH near the neutral range.
g. When stocking a tank, try several varieties, then restock with those plants that do the best. Start with some of the more 
hardy varieties, such as anacharis, hygrophilia, hornwort, vallisneria, anubias, water sprite, Indian fern, or banana plant.
h. If your plants turn brown or yellow, try increasing the intensity or duration of light, and try some liquid nutrients.
i. Try some of the new potted plants- they are easier to keep and are packed in a nutrient solution. They cost a little more than non-potted plants, but they are a good value.
j. Once a week pinch off any brown or decaying leaves.  Any bunch plant that grows too long can be clipped back and planted elsewhere.

Things That Can be Harmful To Your Plants:
a. Some medications are harmful to plants. Plants may have to be removed for a week during treatment with certain medications. Medications which can be harmful to plants are: Coppersafe, Organi Cure, Clout, Maracide, Nox Ich, and high doses of aquarium salt.
b. Certain fish will uproot plants. Avoid plants in tanks with large cichlids such as Oscars, and Jack Dempseys. Do not put silver dollar fish in tanks with live plants
c. Snails will nibble on plant leaves. A few snails will not be harmful to plants, but avoid large numbers of snails in well planted tanks.