2 Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Plants To Use – Tubers And Floaters

This article describes how important freshwater aquarium plants are to a fish's surroundings, two types of plants that are available, the best ones to choose for your particular situation and the optimum conditions they require.

It is a mistake to regard plants as nothing to be concerned about. Plants play an important role in aquariums as they not only help to provide a safe and attractive environment for the fish they also help to maintain and improve water conditions in the aquarium by reducing nitrate levels.

And they can also help reduce the amount of algae grown. Wherever possible buy healthy plants that do not have dead or discolored leaves and that are really true aquatic plants.

Generally speaking there are four types of freshwater aquarium plants you can use; tubers, floating plants, rooted plants and cuttings. Here we cover the tubers and the floaters.

Tubers

A popular choice amongst tubers is the Aponogeton genus. You can get these to put into your tank where they will sprout roots and shoots or you can buy them already sprouted so you can ensure that they will be established.

With some species the leaves can be up to 50 cms and will be shed after around eight months, leaving a crown of leaves radiating from a stem at the base.

If these plants are then removed to colder conditions for about two months and returned to the aquarium where they will grow and some species flower. Seeds produced often germinate and produce small plants.

The length of the leaves depends on which Aponogeton species you have, for example the Aponogeton rigidifolius. Soft water conditions are best with moderate to low light conditions. To stop the tuber from rotting the aquarium should be kept clean and algae removed from the leaves.

Another tuber plant to consider would be for example the Barclaya longifolia with its leaves shaped like lances. It flower under water and its seeds germinate. There are two forms of this species; one that has olive green leaves and the other deep red. In order to thrive they require a good supply of light.

Floating Plants 

There are quite a few benefits to incorporating floating plants in your freshwater aquarium:

a) They supply an area of shading for those species of fish needing seclusion and shelter
b) They provide a site for spawning for fish that use this process
c) They give fry a place of refuge in their early days
d) They do not need to be established as they float or attach to rocks or wood

Riccia (Riccia fluitans) and Java Moss (Vesicularia fluitans)can attach themselves to rocks or wood or even live outside the water. The flexible Indian Fern (Ceratopteris thalictroides) will thrive by either floating, planted in the tank substrate or above the water. These sturdy species do not have complicated requirements.

Gentle water movement, regular water changes and good lighting will suffice. And do not forget to look out for water condensation from your cover getting onto the leaves. This could lead to leaf rot and or burning in combination with the lighting system.

Other recommended Freshwater aquarium plants:

Water lettuce

The Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes); has broad leaves in a radiating form with roots that are useful for sheltering and shading fry.

The Butterfly Fern (Salvinia auriculata); has round leaves with hairs on, again providing good shelter for fish. It is best to have pretty bright light for this plant and medium to hard water conditions.

But be aware of the one floating plant you do not want in your aquarium, Duckweed. This can grow out of control and clog up your whole aquarium environment.

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