If you have an aquarium and enjoy taking care of fish, we’re sure you’ll benefit from this post!
We can all agree that fish are adorable creatures anyone can take care of. All you need is an aquarium and some fish to start. But do you know that one way you can properly take care of the health and well-being of your aquatic creatures is through plants?
Yes, you read that right! There are the best aquarium plants for oxygenation, which fish and other aquatic animals need to survive and thrive. Adequate oxygen levels are essential for maintaining the aquarium’s healthy and balanced ecosystem. Meanwhile, a lack of oxygen can lead to stress, disease, and even death in aquatic creatures.
So stick with us as we discover the best aquarium plants for oxygenation, their benefits, and the factors you should consider when choosing aquarium plants.
What are the best aquarium plants for oxygenation?
There are two different types of best aquarium plants for oxygenation. The first is floating plants, and the second is substrate plants.
Floating Plants
Based on their name, these are the plant that floats on the water. They’re one of the best aquarium plants for oxygenation because provide shade and habitat to fish. Some popular floating plants for aquariums include the following.
- Duckweed
This type of floating plant is a fast-growing aquarium plant known for its ability to absorb excess nutrients and improve water quality. It is also a good oxygenator for fish, releasing oxygen through photosynthesis.
In terms of appearance, duckweed has tiny green or yellowish-green leaves ranging from ¼ to ⅛ inch in size.
- Azolla
This is another floating plant that’s perfect for improving the appearance and water quality in the aquarium. It looks like a fern but with green or reddish-brown small, needle-shaped leaves.
It is also a good oxygenator and can help to reduce nitrates and other pollutants in the water. Plus, it can fix nitrogen and convert it into atmospheric nitrogen that other plants can use.
- Salvinia
Salvinia is an actual floating fern that is known for its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. It is also a good choice for aquariums as it provides shade and cover for fish.
This fern-like plant has small, oval-shaped leaves that resemble hair projections on the undersides. Its unique look also helps it to float on the water’s surface.
Substrate Plants
Substrate plants are the total opposite of floating plants. These are the plants you can find in the substrate or gravel at the bottom of the aquarium. Some popular substrate plants for aquariums include the following.
- Java Fern
This plant is a slow-growing substrate plant known for its attractive appearance and low maintenance requirements. It has deep green and long narrow leaves in various shapes and sizes. Its unique leathery texture is also an interesting highlight of this aquatic plant.
However, growing java fern in an aquarium requires some level of light. That’s why you may need to provide lighting to your aquarium to ensure the growth and health of this plant.
- Anubias
Anubias is another famous hardy aquatic plant with an attractive appearance and low maintenance requirements. It is a good oxygenator and provides shade and cover for fish.
This substrate plant has thick dark green leaves with different shapes and sizes depending on the variety. Like the java fern, it also has leathery textured leaves that can grow up to several inches long.
But unlike java fern, anubias are not demanding when it comes to light and can tolerate various water conditions. If you’re a beginner aquarist, this plant is perfect for you.
- Hornwort
Hornwort is a fast-growing, hardy plant often used in aquariums to absorb excess nutrients and improve water quality. It is also a good oxygenator, as it releases oxygen through photosynthesis.
What are the benefits of using these aquatic plants?
Aside from the fact that they are the best aquarium plants for oxygenation, there are other benefits of using them.
Increased Dissolved Oxygen Levels
As we said earlier, the primary benefit of using these best aquatium plants for oxygenation in aquariums is that they help increase dissolved oxygen levels.
Fish and other aquatic creatures need oxygen to breathe. And when plants release oxygen through photosynthesis, they’re helping these aquatic creatures to survive and grow.
Improved Water Quality
In addition to increasing dissolved oxygen levels, these plants can also aid in improving the water quality in aquariums. Most plants we’ve discussed can absorb excess nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, from the water. When these excess nutrients are absorbed, there will be a reduced risk of algae growth and other water quality issues. This will lead to a cleaner, clearer, healthier environment for aquatic life.
Habitat for Aquatic Life
Finally, these plants can also provide the best habitat for aquatic life in the aquarium.
For example, floating plants can provide shade and cover for aquatic creatures. When there are covers, fish tend to be more relaxed, and it reduces their stress, making the aquarium a more comfortable and natural environment.
Another example is substrate plants. These plants can also provide hiding places for fish and other creatures, especially if they are on the ground. It also helps provide a more natural and diverse ecosystem in the aquarium.
Overall, using these plants for oxygenation can help create a more healthy, more natural, and thriving aquarium environment!
What are the factors to consider when choosing aquarium plants?
Like any other plant, we don’t just choose plants to fill our aquarium. This is because light, temperature, and water matter. So, let’s take a look at these factors!
Light Requirements
This is an important factor you must consider when choosing aquarium plants.
Different plants have different lighting needs, and you need to choose plants that are compatible with the lighting conditions in your aquarium. Some plants, like Anubias, can thrive in low-light conditions, while others, like Hornwort, require high-intensity lighting.
Temperature Range
Another important factor to consider is the temperature range of the aquarium.
Each plant requires a different temperature. For example, some plants, like Java Fern, prefer cooler temperatures, while others, like Azolla, can tolerate warmer water.
Water Chemistry
The chemistry of the water in your aquarium is another important factor to consider when choosing aquarium plants.
Some plants are more tolerant of different water parameters, while others are more sensitive.
For example, Hornwort can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, while Anubias is more sensitive to changes in pH and water hardness.
There are also other factors to consider, and it includes the following.
Size of the aquarium
The type of substrate used
The compatibility of the plants with the fish and other aquatic creatures in the aquarium
By considering these factors, you can choose plants that are well-suited to the specific conditions in your aquarium. Consequently, you can ensure that they thrive and provide the benefits of oxygenation, water quality improvement, and habitat creation for your aquatic life.
Grow the right aquarium plant for your aquatic creatures!
After discussing all these about the best aquarium plants for oxygenation, we can say that they all offer several important benefits, including increased dissolved oxygen levels, improved water quality, and habitat creation for aquatic life.
This is worth taking note of, especially if you want a healthier habitat for your adorable fish and aquatic creatures. In addition to choosing the right plants, it’s also important to properly maintain your aquarium to ensure that the plants and aquatic life in it thrive. This includes regular water changes, proper filtration, and monitoring of water parameters like pH, temperature, and nutrient levels.
By providing the right conditions for your aquarium plants and aquatic life, you can create a healthy and thriving ecosystem that provides the benefits of oxygenation and water quality improvement for years to come.