Custom Aquariums - A Few Ideas On How To Make Proper Use Of Plants & Algae
Plants & Algae are often left out when planning custom aquariums yet they fulfill numerous crucial functions. Plants act as water conditioners, a source of food and being objects of beauty. They also provide a spawning place if you do plan to breed the fish. The most of those plants has roots and therefore require somewhere suitable for their roots to grow.
They also have to be nourished as the normal aquarium gravel normally lacks the necessary minerals. But don't head out to your garden shed unless you know what you are doing. If you're a beginner stick to the commercial instead of home grown types of plant food. Otherwise you are in danger of upsetting the natural balance of the tank and killing the fish.
You can add in floating plants although you have to be careful as many species such as Pistia (water lettuce) often outgrow the tank very quickly if not kept in control.
If you've freshwater custom aquariums you won't want algae growing in there. Overfeeding and too much light are 2 of the key culprits if you have troubles with algae. You can fight any problems by feeding the fish less, introducing more green plants to aid block out the light and possibly also introducing some species of fish that feed on this element.
If you've marine custom aquariums you will want the algae to grow. Marine fish sometimes use it as a source of food but it is also extremely useful at breaking down the nitrogenous compounds in the water than arise from fish waste. If left uncontrolled those nitrates will end up poisoning your fish which is why it's very crucial to keep an eye on water quality.
You can use plants to help you to design a beautiful and healthful environment for your new pets.
They also have to be nourished as the normal aquarium gravel normally lacks the necessary minerals. But don't head out to your garden shed unless you know what you are doing. If you're a beginner stick to the commercial instead of home grown types of plant food. Otherwise you are in danger of upsetting the natural balance of the tank and killing the fish.
You can add in floating plants although you have to be careful as many species such as Pistia (water lettuce) often outgrow the tank very quickly if not kept in control.
If you've freshwater custom aquariums you won't want algae growing in there. Overfeeding and too much light are 2 of the key culprits if you have troubles with algae. You can fight any problems by feeding the fish less, introducing more green plants to aid block out the light and possibly also introducing some species of fish that feed on this element.
If you've marine custom aquariums you will want the algae to grow. Marine fish sometimes use it as a source of food but it is also extremely useful at breaking down the nitrogenous compounds in the water than arise from fish waste. If left uncontrolled those nitrates will end up poisoning your fish which is why it's very crucial to keep an eye on water quality.
You can use plants to help you to design a beautiful and healthful environment for your new pets.
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