Page 39 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

CHOOSING PLANTS 37

divided like this, since they have only one growing point. If an
established tuberous plant is moved elsewhere, some of its
LIVING OR PLASTIC PLANTS? leaves may die back, but provided the water and lighting
There are now highly realistic plastic substitutes for most of the conditions in the tank are favorable, it should soon recover.
popular varieties of aquarium plants. The obvious advantage of
plastic plants is that they do not die back or spread out and Care and maintenance
dominate the aquarium. Plastic plants are equipped with a weight to Plants need nutrients for growth. They obtain many of these
anchor them in the substrate. Although there is no risk of their being
destroyed by the fish, it is still possible that they may be dug up. nutrients from the water, but adding aquarium fertilizer will
ensure that they stay healthy. Rich in potassium, phosphorus,
Living plant Plastic plant
iron, and other elements, this fertilizer is available as pellets,
which can be buried beside a plant, or as a liquid that is added
to the tank water. Another way to boost the growth of plants
is to place them in pots of enriched aquarium soil and then
sink the pots into the gravel. Never use regular plant potting
mix or garden compost, which will poison the fish.
Plants, like fish, benefit from an efficient filtration system,
especially fine-leaved varieties, which can become clogged with
suspended material. In addition, the gentle currents created by
a power filter help to keep the foliage moving, to ensure that
no part of the plant is permanently shaded. When the
plants are established, you will periodically
need to cut back excessive growth
or prune straggly plants to
encourage new shoots and
a better overall shape.

Large herbivorous fish, such as
this Silver Dollar (see p.94), may
BUYING TIPS destroy plants in a new aquarium
before they have time to become
• Check plants for signs of fully established. Choose tough,
damage, such as crushed quick-growing plants for this
stems or leaves. type of fish, and offer
• Avoid yellowing plants, alternative foods,
which may be suffering from such as lettuce, to
nutrient deficiencies. minimize damage
to the plants in
• Plants that do not these vital
permanently grow under water early stages.
are unsuitable, since they will
soon begin to rot.
• Choose plants with lighting
needs similar to the fish’s.

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