Putting plants in a fish tank depends on the type of plant, but generally involves preparing the plant, preparing the substrate (if needed), and gently placing the plant to encourage healthy growth.
Planting Methods by Plant Type
The method for planting varies significantly depending on whether you're dealing with rooted plants, rhizome plants, or floating plants.
Rooted Plants
These plants need to be anchored in the substrate.
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Prepare the Plant: Gently remove the plant from its pot. Rinse off any excess substrate from the roots. You may need to trim any dead or decaying roots.
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Prepare the Substrate: Ensure you have a suitable substrate, such as aquarium soil or gravel, that's at least 2-3 inches deep. Plant fertilizers like root tabs can be added for extra nutrients.
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Planting:
- Create a small hole in the substrate.
- Gently place the roots into the hole.
- Cover the roots with the substrate, ensuring the crown of the plant (where the roots meet the stem) is not buried, as this can cause rot.
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Securing (If Needed): For plants that tend to float, you can temporarily weigh them down with plant weights or rocks until the roots establish themselves.
Rhizome Plants (e.g., Java Fern, Anubias)
These plants have a rhizome (a horizontal stem) from which the roots and leaves grow. They should not be planted directly into the substrate.
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Preparation: Obtain your rhizome plant.
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Attaching the Plant:
- Tie: Use fishing line or cotton thread to gently tie the rhizome to a rock, driftwood, or other aquarium decoration. The thread will eventually dissolve, but by then the plant will have attached itself.
- Glue: Aquarium-safe super glue (cyanoacrylate) can be used to attach the rhizome to a surface. Make sure the rhizome is dry before applying the glue.
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Placement: Place the decoration with the attached plant in your desired location in the tank. Rhizomes need to be exposed to the water column for nutrient absorption and to prevent rotting.
Floating Plants (e.g., Duckweed, Water Lettuce)
Floating plants are the easiest to add to a fish tank.
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Placement: Simply place them on the water surface.
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Optimizing Growth:
- Light: Provide lots of light.
- Fertilizers: Use liquid fertilizers.
- Current: Slow down the current in the tank, as excessive water movement can hinder their growth.
- Moisture Control: Don't let their leaves get too wet.
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Containment (Optional): Some people use fishing line or airline tubing to contain the floating plants and prevent them from being pushed underwater by the filter output.
No matter what type of plant, consider the needs of your specific species in terms of light, nutrients, and water parameters.
