Freshwater

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Part III: Water, Chemicals, and Plants
The following are suggestions on freshwater plants that are good for beginners:
Dwarf swordplant (Echinodorus tenellus): Use this in the front area of
your tank to create a carpet effect.
Corkscrew val (Vallisneria spiralis): Corkscrew val’s light green leaves
are twisted like a spiral staircase. Val needs quite a bit of light.
Hornwart (Ceratophyllum demersum): Hornwart has very stiff leaves.
Hairgrass (Eleocharis acicularis): Hairgrass resembles the grass in
your yard but is longer (our house being an exception).
Amazon sword (Echinodorus grandiflorus): Amazon sword has heartshaped
leaves and is very tolerant of beginner mistakes. This plant
enjoys soft water.
Java fern (Microsorium pteropus): Java fern has large leaves that form
a point at the top and requires only moderate lighting conditions.
And if you decide to attempt a brackish aquarium, here are a few easy-tokeep
brackish plants:
Green cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana): A plant with soft leaves and
foliage resembles feather wisps.
Mangrove (Brugiuera species): Usually purchased in pots, this plant
spreads out all over the tank.
Giant hygrophila (Nomaphila stricta): A beautiful plant that produces
a purple flower.
Maintaining Plant-Friendly
Aquarium Conditions
To keep your plants healthy, you need to provide them with the proper temperature,
nutritional food, proper substrate, good water conditions, and adequate
lighting.
Temperature requirements
Plants have temperature requirements just like your fish do. Check each
species’ temperature requirements before you purchase them, so you know
whether they’re compatible with your fish’s needs. A large majority of aquarium
plants are tropical and need to be kept warm — they eventually die in
cold water.