Freshwater

In This Chapter
Chapter 17
Choosing Plant Species
for Your Tank
Figuring out foreground plants
Mulling over background plants
Checking out floating plants
Pondering pond plants
In Chapter 16 we discuss plant types, the aquarium conditions required
for live plants, how to purchase plants and transport them, and how to
troubleshoot problems that may occur. This chapter covers different types
of plants that you can put in your tank and maintain as a beginner.
Live plants add realism to your aquarium!
The species listed in this chapter are by no means all that are available.
There are too many to name in one chapter, so we focus our attention on
some of the really cool-looking ones that you can use to enhance your own
special aquarium setup.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of plants to see what is
most pleasing to your own eye. Purchase plants that you really like, but don’t
forget to make sure that they will work well with the aquarium conditions and
habits of your aquarium fish.
As mentioned in the last chapter, live plants help enhance the natural beauty
of your tank, reduce algae problems, improve the water quality, and provide
your fish with places to hide and find shelter. Live aquarium plants are also a
great way to help condition and nudge your fish into mating.
Don’t overstock your tank with plants to the point that your fish have no
swimming room! Overplanting causes stress and disease. If you want a good
setup that looks natural, it should include a variety of plants and open spaces
as well.