In today’s generation, more and more people are interested in keeping an aquarium as a hobby. It is, in fact, convenient for everyone, and it is easy to maintain, especially when the owners have a busy schedule. There is also a wide selection of plants and pets that can be kept in a fish tank, therefore, making it enjoyable from time to time.
However, to maintain a fish tank and save all living things alive in the aquarium, one must be equipped with the proper knowledge to keep it in its best shape. It is essential to know what type of plant is best for different substrates, such as gravel and the like.
Aquarium plants can grow in gravel substrate; however, the type of gravel used is imperative for thriving and developing in its best form. Many types of this material have different purposes. An example of this is the rock gravel which is large and chunky. This gravel type is designed for easy cleaning and waste coverage; however, this is not ideal for growing aquatic flora since there is little room and many nutrients for the roots to grow and develop.
Most aquatic plants grow and thrive best in small gravel substrate compared to those large-sized ones. These plants, especially when newly planted, must remain stable for them to flourish. Avoiding unnecessary shifting of the substrate also prevents uprooting or tipping the plants. It also promotes the spread and development of its roots to achieve a healthy and thriving plant.
The essential Steps on how to grow Aquatic Plants in Gravel
To successfully plant live aquatic floras, one must first acquire the ideal type of gravel. Most aquatic plants best thrive in small gravel substrates such as the Seachem clay gravel, which also helps buffer the tank’s pH, maintaining a desirable condition for the plants and animals. The gravel’s ideal grain size is about 0.1 to 0.2 inches or 3 to 5 millimeters.
Moreover, shifting the substrate is damaging to the plants as this may uproot or tip them, hindering their ability to develop and spread their roots inside the tank. Owners should try their best and maintain their tanks’ stability, especially when they have newly rooted plants, to promote growth and root development. Besides, they must use a siphon Kitto vacuum when cleaning the gravel. This equipment prevents getting the substrate from the tank, therefore, preventing unnecessary movement. Investing in high-quality equipment allows the owners to clean and maintain the tank in its best shape properly.
Once you have gathered the best and ideal type of gravel, layer it inside the tank not higher than 2 to 3 inches above the aquarium floor. After doing so, add fertilizer to the gravel and fill the tank with water halfway through. You can now place your selected plants inside it, ensuring you handle the roots and bulbs carefully. Make sure to cover both of them above the root level to guarantee proper growth and development. Adding rocks or caves for aesthetic purposes can now be done after securing the plants inside the tank. Make sure to use heavy decorations to prevent it from floating on top of the tank.
On the other hand, adding aquatic plants in an already established tank is a whole different story. To properly do this, you need to ensure that the plant is attached to a fish-safe rock to prevent it from floating to the aquarium’s top. Adding a small amount of substrate to cover it is essential to provide extra support to the plants.
Nevertheless, live aquarium plants will flourish in the best way they can when adequately taken care of. Ensuring that the plants receive between 8 to 12 hours of sunlight per day and regularly adding fertilizer will allow them to grow and develop into their best form. Maintaining the best condition in the tank is essential for the plants to grow and thrive well.
Also important is the amount of gravel. Here you can find a calculator how much gravel you need.
The Types of Gravel and what is the best Gravel to use for Aquatic Plants
The type of gravel that is best and recommended to use depends on what kind of plant one wants to put inside their fish tank since different plants have different root systems. Knowing your plants’ needs is essential when choosing the best type of gravel for the fish tanks.
Different types of plants such as Anubias and Java fern are water column feeders and are not very picky about the gravel type. However, substrate-feeding plants such as Vallisneria, Cryptocoryne, Dwarf baby ears, and other high-end carpeting plants are pretty sensitive to the gravel type, so owners must put in the extra effort to learn about the needs of their plants.
Moreover, the best thing to do is set up a single gravel base that can offer most plants’ needs to survive inside the aquarium. Fine-textured grains such as Black Seachem clay gravel offer most plants’ needs to compliment their growth compared to other types of gravel.
If owners want to grow substrate feeders, the best type of gravel to use is Flourite Black sand since this is a nutrient-rich substrate. Therefore, it is abundant in nutrients and organic elements, allowing the plants to grow into their best forms. It also creates the ideal tank condition for these types of plants.
On the one hand, light substrates are recommended for water column feeders. Aquarium gravel can be used for these plants, and Seachem root tabs can also be used to mineralize the substrate. Using premium nutrient-rich gravel for plants such as Java fern, Anubias, floating, and stem plants result in unnecessary spending but little for them.
It is discouraged for beginner hobbyists to use premium aqua soils since this can cause water cloudiness which might not be safe for freshwater fish. This type of substrate is suggested for expert hobbyists who plan to make aquariums exclusive to plants.
The first plant that grows best in gravel is the Amazon Sword plant. This plant is excellent for beginners since it is easy to take care of and does not need maintenance work. The Amazon Sword plant only needs moderate levels of sunlight and can survive in different water temperatures. The Amazon Sword is not only easy to take care of, but it is also aesthetically pleasing.
This plant contains long sword-like leaves placed at the back or even at the center of the tank, becoming a centerpiece. When growing this plant, make sure to put enough gravel inside the tank to secure the plant. The stone should also be loosely packed to provide room for them to grow. Adding root tabs regularly also ensures the proper growth of the plant.
Next on the list is the Aponogeton madagascariensis or also known as Madagascar Lace. This plant is quite challenging to take care of, and meeting the right conditions is essential for the plant to thrive. The Madagascar Lace can grow in both cold and warm water temperatures. The recommended cold water temperature is around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Meanwhile, a warmer water temperature allows the plant to produce flowers. This plant’s size can be controlled by regulating the amount of light it gets from the sun. More light allows the plant to grow bigger and faster, and the low light makes the plant do the opposite. Also, the Madagascar Lace must be planted in the gravel properly. This plant should not be buried deeply in the gravel to allow the plant to grow to its best potential.
Another plant that is best to grow in gravel is the Cryptocoryne. This plant is famous for planting in gravel and because it has different colors. Cryptocoryne are flexible plants since they only need low light and can thrive in many other water conditions and a range of water pH levels.
Rooting the plant down is essential because this plant is from a family of extensive root systems that require gravel to be firmly placed in the tank. Adding root tabs in the gravel can also improve the condition of this plant.
The fourth type of plant is the Java Fern. Like the Cryptocoryne, this is also a flexible plant because it can handle almost any environment. Java ferns are undemanding when it comes to the maintenance process. They grow best in gravel and need only low levels of light and fertilizer.
Owners do not have to worry about maintaining a specific temperature in their fish tanks since this plant can thrive in different temperatures. However, one must keep in mind that java ferns are sensitive to too much light, hindering their growth or killing them.
The famous red Tiger Lotus comes in fifth place. This plant can grow flowers if grown on land; however, it won’t produce any flowers if it is planted underwater and grounded in gravel. Tiger Lotus is a beginner-friendly plant, but it must be carefully cultivated to grow its best shape.
The roots should be securely placed under well-fertilized gravel, but this plant’s bulb should not be covered. Tiger Lotus requires a significant number of nutrients for it to survive underwater. This plant prefers warmer temperatures and medium levels of light for it to flourish. Owners, however, must keep in mind to regularly trim this plant to prevent it from increasing.
What follows are the Anubias species which are large plants that provide shade for different aquariums. This plant only needs simple care despite them being hardy tank fixtures. A medium amount of light is necessary for this plant; however, if you want it to grow in its largest size, higher light levels can help aquatic flora types.
Fertilizer is not a must since this plant can grow on its own. Putting root tabs in the tank can provide more nutrients in the gravel, helping the plant retain its pleasing color and health.
Next is the Vallisneria, which is a fast-growing type of plant. Like most aquarium plants, this species is poor maintenance since it does not need much to grow. Vallisneria thrives more in waters with a more challenging pH level and a warmer temperature. It is essential to trim the plant to prevent it from overtaking the tank.
The eighth aquarium plant is the Bucephalandra. This plant is different from the other floras since it needs thicker and larger-sized gravel for it to grow. This aquatic flora has few different colors, grows slowly in low light, and requires water temperature ranging from 71 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Bucephalandra can become a centerpiece for the tank with the proper care and maintenance.
Last on the list is the Dwarf Sagittaria plant found in America and Columbia and is one of the best options for aquariums. It is an adaptable plant that prefers water with milder temperatures and can handle more complicated water pH. On the other hand, this plant needs a lot of fertilizer and iron to grow its best form.
Any type of yellowing of the leaves usually means a deficiency in iron which can be detrimental to the plant’s health since low iron levels can result in the death of the Dwarf Sagittaria. Occasionally, if this plant is well taken care of, it may send small white flowers to the surface of the tank.
To sum everything up, aquarium plants can grow in gravel. There is, in fact, a wide variety of aquarium plants that can survive and thrive in gravel. One needs to know the needs of the different aquatic flora types to provide an environment conducive to growth. Being equipped with essential information regarding the maintenance and how to plant these floras appropriately is necessary for them to grow in their best form.
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In today’s generation, more and more people are interested in keeping an aquarium as a hobby. It is, in fact, convenient for everyone, and it is easy to maintain, especially when the owners have a busy schedule. There is also a wide selection of plants and pets that can be kept in a fish tank, therefore, making it enjoyable from time to time.
Aquarium plants can grow in gravel substrate; however, the type of gravel used is imperative for thriving and developing in its best form. Many types of this material have different purposes. An example of this is the rock gravel which is large and chunky. This gravel type is designed for easy cleaning and waste coverage; however, this is not ideal for growing aquatic flora since there is little room and many nutrients for the roots to grow and develop.
The type of gravel that is best and recommended to use depends on what kind of plant one wants to put inside their fish tank since different plants have different root systems. Knowing your plants’ needs is essential when choosing the best type of gravel for the fish tanks.
