Real aquarium plants are good for the aquarium's metabolism; they break down waste products, nitrates, and phosphates. They also oxygenate the aquarium water. Fast-growing plants can also have an anti-algae effect.
I'm incredibly surprised I've been involved with aquariums since 2010, and I've been obsessed with real aquarium plants from day one. Yet, not everyone keeps real aquarium plants, and artificial ones are still being sold. That's why I'm writing this article to convince everyone reading this to get real aquarium plants.
Real plants for a more stable aquarium
An aquarium with real aquarium plants is already 10-0 better than an aquarium without plants. This is because aquarium plants filter nitrates, phosphates, and other substances from the aquarium water. An aquarium with real aquarium plants partially filters itself; it would never replace frequent water changes, but it is much more stable than an aquarium without plants.
The gravel bottom of an aquarium contains most of the waste and nutrients. Normally, if you don't have aquarium plants, the bottom will become clogged with all the accumulated organic waste. Once your aquarium plants begin to root well, you create an "active" bottom. All the organic waste that decomposes disappears into small mulch particles in the gravel. Here, it is normally broken down and fully decomposed. Aquarium plants absorb some of this (nutrient) waste. This reduces the risk of your bottom becoming clogged and the formation of dangerous gases in the gravel.
Fast-growing plants against algae
Certain aquarium plants, such as stem plants, grow very quickly. Fast-growing aquarium plants can help prevent algae, particularly brown algae, which often develops when phosphate levels are too high due to organic waste. It's normal for brown algae to develop when the aquarium is just starting up; this will disappear after a few weeks.
Adding fast-growing aquarium plants to the aquarium helps them absorb phosphate. This can help prevent some brown algae growth. Want to read more about brown algae? We've written an article about combating brown algae.
Can real aquarium plants be kept with cichlids?
-Okay Indy, but I have cichlids and they can't have aquarium plants with them because they eat them.
Uhmm, yes, that's right! If you use soft plants, the cichlids will eat them. Anubias plants, on the other hand, don't. Anubias plants produce oxalic acid in their cells. This isn't harmful, but it tastes extremely bitter to the fish.
Therefore, they won't eat it unless the Anubias plant is sick. If an Anubias plant is sick, the oxalic acid disappears from the plant, and the herbivorous fish will eat the Anubias.
Can real aquarium plants grow in low or no light?
There are countless different types of aquarium plants. Our webshop already boasts a selection of over 150 aquarium plant varieties. Each plant has different lighting needs.
Certain species need a lot of light, while others will die if they get too much. Our webshop offers a huge selection of different species. That's why you're sure to find an aquarium plant that suits your aquarium.
And if not? You can always send us a WhatsApp message at our phone number, and we'll personally discuss your aquarium and what it needs.
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