Floating plants do not require anchoring (that’s why they float) and usually they do not require any plant fertilizer. The one thing to watch for with these type of plants is that water droplets do not drop onto the leaves as this may rot the plants.

It is best that rooted plants like tubers are tied to pieces of rock or wood in order to anchor them to the bottom of the fish tank. Do not over crown the tank with these plants as like every other plant the roots require room to spread. Allow plenty of room for growth and remember these plant roots grow outwards and spread. Some aquatic plants known as cuttings can be removed from thriving plants and transplanted without having to root them. They can be planted individually and will sprout shoots at the leaf joints and will grow vertically. After the shoots have grown by a couple of inches you can cut and individually plant them. Floating plants can be placed on the surface of the tank and can be great for fish who like to hide underneath them from direct sunlight. Floating plants include varieties like Lily pads and Water Lettuce.

You can unite live plants with the types of fish which enjoy living within a live plant environment but you can also have an aquatic plant aquarium without fish. There is also species of omnivorous fish which use live plants as food. Usually using live plants with your fish is advantageous to you aquarium because they help to relieve stress for the fish. The fish can use the plants for shelter and this feeling of refuge make the fish feel safer. Aquatic plants live and thrive through the process of photosynthesis so they need to have a source of light in order to survive. Some aquatic plants require regular fertilization whilst others will live quite happily on the waste produced by the fish in your aquarium. For fish that require fertilizer you should have a word with your aquatic pet store owner as to what is are the best types to use and also how often they require to be fed.

The same basic requirements are needed for live plants as they are for a normal tropical fish tank. These requirements are a tank. This seems obvious but there are so many tanks on the market that you should plan which size and shape of tank you require before you start. You will also need a filtration system and some form of lighting. Although the plants are fairly easy to maintain you will need some basic cleaning tools and then stick to a regular maintenance system. If you are not prepared to care and maintain your live plants them maybe you should stick to the synthetic plants for you aquarium. At one time synthetic plants looked just that “synthetic”. But now they have come a long way and can add some pleasing aspects to your aquarium, although they are still no substitute for the real thing. Whatever way you go the design of your aquarium is up to you, and as long as the aquarium is interesting, healthy and you enjoy what you are doing everything will be fine.

Check what maintenance is required for you plants and incorporate it with you weekly maintenance schedule for your fish. The plants will need to be pruned weekly, but any dead and broken leaves should be removed on a daily basis.