Q&A for How to Set up an Aquarium With Live Plants

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What should I keep a close eye on when growing live aquarium plants?

Doug Ludemann
Professional Aquarist
Doug Ludemann is the owner and operator of Fish Geeks, LLC, an aquarium services company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Doug has worked in the aquarium and fish-care industry for over 20 years, including having worked as a professional aquarist for the Minnesota Zoo and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. He received his Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Minnesota.

Doug Ludemann

Professional Aquarist

Expert Answer

I would say number one, you've got to worry about your CO2. In a literal sense, CO2 concentration, water, carbonate hardness or alkalinity, and pH are mathematically linked. You can't change one without changing the others. if you are dosing your plants with CO2, which I highly recommend that you do, you should also be monitoring your alkalinity and your pH levels.

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Question

What should I do after I receive my live plants in the mail?

Terry Shelton

Community Answer

Rinse them in tank water and plant them.

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Question

Which is the best plant to keep in the aquarium?

Shadow_wolf_52

Community Answer

It depends. Java Fern and Java Moss are common, low maintenance, and usually low cost too, but plants like Amazon Sword look cool. Always make sure you have enough room in your tank for a plant, but it really depends on what you want.

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Question

Can I add an aquarium plant to my sea monkey tank? If so, do I still need fertilizer?

Community Answer

If you are using the tank they came with, then NO. If not, then yes, and you would not need fertilizer.

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Question

I don't have any aqua plants. What can I do?

Ajay Sawant

Community Answer

You can buy them from your nearest pet shops or buy aqua plant seeds. For convenience make sure you buy mature plants although they are costly. If you have experience or are eager to learn to grow, you can buy cheap small plants like Java moss or Amazon sword, which are easy to grow.

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Question

I have a tank that has been active for 6 months with fish. Can I add live plants with just gravel in the tank for a substrate and no CO2 system?

Ajay Sawant

Community Answer

Yes, you can, but just gravel wont do; you will need aqua soil. Also choose plants carefully which need less CO2.

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Question

Can I keep aquariam plants with thick gravel in a fish tank with cichlids?

Nick

Community Answer

It depends on the size of the cichlids and the type of plant. Cichlids actually eat some kinds of plants. But if it is a kind that they don't eat then you should be fine.

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Question

How can I make a breeding environment for goldfish?

Community Answer

Check out this wikiHow article on how to breed goldfish for more information.

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Question

I am moving to another state. How do I keep my plants alive for the move?

Community Answer

This depends on your plant species. Sagittaria, pellia, and Java moss can typically survive for about nine days without light. Don't keep the lights on while you're away unless you have some way to turn it off at intervals, as this will encourage algae growth.

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Question

I want to get a Marimo Moss, so can I just add it to my tank with no issues?

Community Answer

Yes you can, but it is best to rinse it first to try and get rid of any bacteria. Make sure you inspect it for snails though.

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Question

Can I add fish after planting in 1-2 days?

Community Answer

No, you must wait for the tank to be ammonia free. This usually takes around 1 month. Check the pH before you add the fish to be sure.

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Question

Can I use regular water directly in the tank? Do I have to prepare it with Clorox and let it sit for 24 hours?

Community Answer

No, you have to add the water conditioner, let sit for 10-15 minutes, and then add it to the aquarium or use dechlorinated water. Also, all soaps and detergents, including Clorox, are toxic to fish, so do not use these at all.

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Question

Can I plant an aquarium with seeds after introducing fish to it?

Gini Pug

Community Answer

Yes. If you're worried about the fish eating the seeds, you might have to bury them a little first.

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Question

I bought some plants and two new fish (another betta and a cory-the bettas are females) and the person at the fish shop said that my gravel would be fine and I only needed one cory. Is this true?

Emmylou Pruitt

Community Answer

Cories are shoaling fish. They will never thrive alone and require groups of 5+. I would return the cory to the shop if you do not have at least a 10 gallon tank and are willing to buy more cories to give yours a proper group.

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Question

Will plants die if they have LED lights that aren't grow lights?

Jasmine

Community Answer

I use LEDs, and my plants grow healthy and fast. The only thing to consider is that LEDs are very bright and can encourage rapid algae growth.

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