Live plants are the lungs of our aquariums. They play a vital role in maintaining a healthy biological environment by absorbing nitrates and producing oxygen, while providing natural cover for fish and fry.
My Criteria for Quality Aquatic Plants
As an aquarist, I prefer plants that are not only decorative but also actively contribute to the balance of the tank. I typically select plants based on the following priorities:
- Green and beautiful: Plants that create a lush, vibrant background or foreground.
- Fast growing: These are excellent for outcompeting algae by rapidly absorbing excess nutrients.
- Easy and undemanding: Species that thrive under standard lighting and without necessarily requiring advanced CO2 systems.
- Easy to propagate: Plants that allow for quick cuttings or display spreading runners.
The plants listed below satisfy most of these criteria, with some of the most rewarding species meeting all of them.
Maintenance and Growth
Even when focusing on easy species, all plants require a minimum level of care regarding lighting duration and occasional fertilization. By choosing fast-growing plants, you can quickly establish a stable ecosystem that makes daily aquarium management much simpler.
