Freshwater planted aquariums differ greatly from small aquariums with decorations. They can be slightly more involved to get started but are beautiful and well worth the small added effort when finished. Some tanks have large rocks or driftwood in the center and there are various substrates that can be used. The common equipment needed for these types of tanks includes LED lighting, a heater, a filtration system, and planted tank soil. The most common size for beginners is between 10 and 20 gallons. While a freshwater planted aquarium can survive in a smaller tank, it’s harder to keep up with a tank smaller than 10 gallons, as you can’t easily …

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Freshwater planted aquariums can be a stress-relieving and artistic hobby with the added benefit of making the surrounding room more aesthetically pleasing. Fish add multiple colors to the tank, while plants add a splash of green and even red. In addition to being a visually pleasing addition to a tank, having a lot of plants benefits the environment within the tank in multiple ways. Tank Maintenance Green plants maintain air quality within an aquarium by producing oxygen for the fish to breathe while absorbing wastes, pollutants, the carbon dioxide the fish produce, which helps the tank stay cleaner and clearer. Healthy plants prevent substrate decay by emitting small amounts of …

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When we craft aquariums, we seek to replicate a healthy ecosystem, usually similar to a pond, sea, or lake, in an indoor enclosure inside of a business or home. Freshwater planted aquariums in particular wrestle with the constraints of local tap water, limited space, and limited water and air flow to still create an ecologically balanced aquarium in a very natural way. Some use additions like artistic wood and rock to create a thriving environment that’s close to self-sustaining. Still, we perform water and filter changes and provide artificial lighting. And freshwater planted tanks, unable to reach the amount needed independently, require CO2 to grow and have the color they …

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Low levels of light in aquariums can lend to the creation of beautiful aquatic landscapes that possess a naturalistic feel. However, low-light aquariums can’t house just any plant. They’re only suitable for plants adapted to dim light. Here are six of the best low-light aquarium plants, all of which are perfect for freshwater planted aquariums. Remember all plants will grow better and with less algae as long as you add Seachem Excel on a daily basis (1/2 cap/5 gallons) when the lights come on and a light fertilizer such as Seachem Flourish two times a week. 1. Java Moss This southeast Asian moss thrives in low light. It’s popular in …

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So you’ve mastered your reef tank or you have managed to keep your 80 African Cichlids in a 50-gallon tank. What’s next? A small sweet aquarium. It’s time to try your hand at the fastest growing segment in the aquarium hobby: freshwater planted aquariums. Not some 125-gallon monster. We’re talking about a 5 to 15-gallon non-intrusive sized piece of art! It’s absolutely amazing how a few pieces of wood rock and some plants can transform a kitchen nook or an end of a hallway into something that can stop people in their tracks. Why are freshwater planted aquariums becoming so popular worldwide? They don’t have to be large to be …

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