Some of the usual things that we add to aquariums, aside from the fish and water, are really necessary additions and not just for decoration. One example of those necessary items is the aquarium plant. Aquarium plants provide the necessary hiding spots for the fish to make them feel more comfortable.

There are two main choices for aquarium plants: real and fake. Keeping real plants alive requires specialized care, above and beyond keeping your fish alive. Plastic plants, on the other hand, are easy to care for, even if it's your first aquarium.

Plastic plants are long lasting and very easy to clean. You only need to take them out of the aquarium and wash with soap and water. The colors are varied and sometimes even more vivid than real plants. Although you have to be careful about the too bright colors or it might stress your fish. Some of them will adjust their colors to a less vibrant color in order to be less conspicuous to predators. Better stick to the more natural marine tones to bring out the natural bright colors of your fish.

If you want plants that are realistic but easy to care for, consider silk plants. They can be a little more expensive than plastic varieties, but are just as easy to care for. Always choose silk plants designed for aquariums, not those found in craft stores or labeled for reptile use, because those types have chemicals that could make your fish sick.

Fresh plants are of course, the most natural looking. Like some kinds of fish, though, they can be very hard to maintain. Some of them will thrive only under specific water temperatures or pH levels. Find the fresh plants whose specific needs are compatible with the water requirements of your fish.

Besides being more realistic, there are additional benefits to using real plants. Some fish will only breed in a planted tank. Fresh plants also help in the nitrogen cycle by using nitrates, and add oxygen to the water. Live plants are eaten by many fish varieties, and for these herbivores, fresh plants are the most natural food source.

Despite their benefits, fresh plants can be hard to care for. Many varieties require specialized fertilizers or lighting. No plants can grow in the dark; lights are necessary for photosynthesis, which happens in aquatic plants just like in your garden plants. Some aquarium plants require more lighting than others. Many require special aquarium-specific plant fertilizers. Never use your garden fertilizer on your aquarium plants, because doing so will likely kill your plants and your fish.

When it comes to cleaning, fresh plants are definitely the more difficult to clean. They cannot be uprooted so you have to clean them where they are planted. They also accumulate dead and decomposing parts at the bottom of your tank, which when not removed may be detrimental to the health of your fish. This can reduce the quality of the water and can become hazards to all living things in your aquarium. It is recommended that products that supply continuous source of beneficial bacteria, like EcoBio-Block, be on hand when you have fresh aquarium plants in your tank to help breakdown the organic waste into safer by-products. Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of caring for fresh plants in your aquarium, you can now decide whether or not you think they are worth having in your aquarium.

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	Setup and Care of Freshwater Aquariums (Animal Planet Pet Care Library) List Price: $11.95 Sale Price: $5.39 Used From: $3.58
This book simplifies the setup of a freshwater aquarium. Find out the items necessary to maintain an attractive and thriving aquarium, from equipment and décor to the best food choices for your aquatic pets.

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The my first home tank topper converts any 10 gallon tank into a multi-level high rise for hamsters, gerbils, and mice. The wire tank topper snaps together in minutes. The tank topper comes complete with comfort shelves, safety ramps, a -inchbowl in the hole-inch food dish, critter canteen water bottle, and a little brick house hide-out...

Written by Leonard Boyler using tags: aquarium, Fish, Pets